News & Upcoming Events
A fantastic 3 day Hot Forging Masterclass with Brett Payne here in the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
It has been so interesting to nerd out about spoons, analysing the transitions from bowl to handle and learning the skills of forging that can translate into our own work.
Grateful for the chance here in the MSW to push the boundaries of my craft and connect with fellow makers passionate about preserving and advancing traditional skills.
I am delighted to be featured in this year’s Goldsmiths Company Review. The journey to reach this point at the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop has been filled with hard work and challenges, and we’re deeply grateful for this recognition by the Goldsmiths Company. The Goldsmiths' Review is filled with insightful stories about inspiring people connected to The Goldsmiths’ Company, through time, trade, craft, philanthropy and education.
The article details the launch of The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop, Formerly 19th-century kennels, the workshop was created in March 2023 with the help of three of the silversmiths who live and work at Marchmont as emerging maker tenants: Katie Watson, Hannah Keddie and myself. It provides opportunities for early career silversmiths, comprising five benches, a polishing room, hammering room and meeting space.
Read the full story in the Goldsmiths' Review via link.
I’m thrilled that three of my pieces have been selected for ‘Now and Then: Dalkeith Palace,’ the second part of Visual Arts Scotland’s Centenary Show. These works will be showcased alongside other artists from Scotland and beyond until Sunday in this remarkable venue.
This marks my first Visual Arts Scotland showcase since being elected as their newest Council Member. I’m excited to champion Silversmithing, Jewellery, and Related Crafts across more art spaces and communities in Scotland.
In my latest work, I’ve drawn deep inspiration from the intricate artistry of ancient Pictish culture. A standout piece from last year, the Britannia silver hand-raised beaker, features a chased Pictish Goose design—a tribute to the craftsmanship seen in the stone carvings housed at the National Museum of Scotland. The delicate punches and textures on the beaker echo the meditative, repetitive mark-making techniques of Scotland’s early artisans, evoking the spirit of Pictish hoards and historical carvings.
Working on this piece, from the initial raising and planishing to the fine texturing, was an immensely rewarding experience here at the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop. It encapsulates my passion for merging traditional silversmithing techniques with contemporary design, celebrating Scotland's rich heritage while crafting modern pieces that tell a story. This beaker is truly my ode to Scotland’s enduring craftsmanship and its influence on my journey.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been featured in Crafts Magazine. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by editor Debika Ray, where I shared insights into my journey with QEST and my enriching experience training alongside silversmith Rod Kelly in the breathtaking setting of Shetland.
It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my craft, the support of QEST, and the inspiration I’ve drawn from Scotland’s landscape and heritage. You can check out the full article in the latest issue - Order your copy from the link below.
In May, I had the incredible honour of attending the Royal Warrant Holders Association Annual Luncheon at the Guildhall in London with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. During the event, I was officially welcomed into the prestigious QEST Alumni community, receiving my certificate and pin badge after completing my six-week training with Rod Kelly in Shetland.
It was a wonderful experience being surrounded by such esteemed company, sharing stories with fellow makers, and showcasing the impact QEST's support has had on our work. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that I have an upcoming opportunity with QEST in Edinburgh this October—stay tuned for more details!
It’s been a busy and exciting summer showcasing my work across several Scottish galleries, from Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery to the beautiful Burrell Collection. It was a real pleasure connecting with so many of you in the vibrant atmospheres of these events and sharing my latest creations. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support me and my business—I truly appreciate it.
As I head back to the workshop to focus on new projects, stay tuned for upcoming announcements, including details on C-Word market dates being released soon... Sorry...
I am thrilled to announce I have been awarded a QEST Emerging Maker Scholarship for Silversmithing & am currently mid-way through my training in Shetland.
As part of my grant, I will receive one-on-one training with Rod Kelly where I’ll be working on advanced chasing techniques and steel tool making to create tableware merging tradition and contemporary design, exploring unique centrepiece designs together and pushing my artistic boundaries.
This project has also been supported by a South of Scotland Visual Artist and Craft Maker Award, funded by Creative Scotland, Live Borders and Dumfries & Galloway Council.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Shetland and spending time with Rod & his doggies in his gorgeous workshop.
I had a fantastic time at the Borders Art Fair with the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop in Kelso.
Lovely to display the vase I made with Rod Kelly as part of my Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust training for the first time and meet more of the artistic community that surrounds the Marchmont Estate.
Kelso Events Centre, Scottish Borders
Fri 15th - Sun 17th Mar
10am-4pm, 10-5pm & 10am-4pm
I really enjoyed being a judge of the 2D Smallworkers category, Sponsored by Champagne Gosset, at the 2024 Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards.
So much fun catching up with friends from the industry, probably not my wises choice to have that much champagne before the long train back to Scotland!
I was invited to be a part of The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards judging process after winning the Champagne Gosset Award three years consecutively.
Both the GCDC Awards & Champagne Gosset have been big supporters of my career and I am delighted to be a part of the panel this year judging the 2D Smallworkers Design category, what a challenging but fun experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Goldsmiths' Fair last year.
For more than four decades, Goldsmiths' Fair has brought together a selection of the UK's best contemporary jewellers and silversmiths.
This year's 136 exhibitors work across disciplines and materials, each achieving distinct techniques and their own style with precious metals. The Fair gives visitors the opportunity to buy directly from makers and to discuss their skills, practices and inspirations, accompanied by a dedicated talks program and exhibitions.
I had a lovely few weekends taking part in the Tea Green Markets, exhibiting between the beautiful granite columns in Sculpture Court of Aberdeen Art Gallery & the atmospheric, organ-filled grandeur of Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow.
Thank you to all those who visited, supported and purchased over the the busy Christmas period.
2nd-8th Oct - London, Goldsmiths Fair
26th-29th Oct - Edinburgh, Elements
4th-5th Nov - Aberdeen Art Gallery, Tea Green
25th Nov - Marchmont Estate, Christmas Market
2nd-3rd Dec - Glasgow Kelvingrove Museum, Tea Green.
I had a fabulous opening night of Then and Now: 100 Years of Visual Arts Scotland, in the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh where my Wood Chip Plate was on display for a month.
‘On a winter’s eve in Edinburgh, 1924, Visual Arts Scotland held their first-ever meeting, becoming early pioneers of inclusivity within Scotland’s artistic landscape. One-hundred years later, the organisation has grown into a leading platform for national and international artists and now celebrates its centenary year.’ - Visual Art Scotland
17th Feb - 13th Mar
RSA, The Mound, Edinburgh.
To celebrate 20 years at Collect, Goldsmiths' Fair brought together 100 brooches by 100 Goldsmiths’ Fair exhibitors from recent years for a specially curated showcase. Collect Art Fair is the leading international fair for contemporary craft and design, held in the stunning setting of Somerset House, London.
My Wood Chip Pin was selected for this exhibition which highlights the textured of a cast wood chip, to celebrate traditional craft, contrast by a polished bowl form which draws the observers gaze inward.
Goldsmiths’ Fair at Collect.
Stand E11, Somerset House, London
1-3 March 2024
I was proud to be a part of Scotland’s only selling fair of contemporary jewellery and silver again.
Elements returned to Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh for its ninth year in 2023, bringing together the UK's finest Jewellers and Silversmiths. From functional and sculptural silver to colourful, one-of-a-kind jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK.
Elements is a partnership project between Lyon & Turnbull Auctioneers and The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust.
The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop was recently featured on ITV Border Life, highlighting the unique nature of this project and the brilliant creative community cultivated by Marchmont Creative Spaces.
I am so grateful to be involved in this fantastic project and feel a part of something special here in Scotland. Many thanks to ITV News and reporter Sandy McCracken for her interest in this project.
To watch the full episode, visit the link here.
I am pleased to share the post-event report on our March At Home with Silver weekend, celebrating the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
The weekend sought to bring visitors together to spark conversation and collaboration and discuss growing the market for our silversmiths, alongside beginning to address how we can work more sustainably. In the five months since the opening, We have settled into the workshop and become a welcomed part of the Marchmont community.
We had a successful first Open Studios here at Marchmont, meeting members of the community and showing them around our new workshop. We ran demonstrations throughout the day of our practices and enjoyed welcoming people into our creative space with the added bonus of making sales too.
I am extremely proud to be a part of the community here and have enjoyed developing a new collection of work in this space. For more information on the At Home with Silver Weekend and to read the report, visit the link below.
After studying at the Glasgow School of Art for 3 years and returning as an Artist in Residence for the last year and a half, I have spent countless hours hammering away in the beautiful S&J department. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been offered at my time there and am even more thankful to the wonderful tutors, technicians and fellow AiRs who have shared their knowledge and time with me at this early stage in my career. To celebrate the end of the residency, my fellow Artist in Residence are curating and showcasing a collection of our work that we completed throughout our time in Glasgow.
‘Step into “Arcadia”; our utopian world of treasures and new realities following our creative journeys as Artists in Residence at The Glasgow School of Art. A place where you can find roaming bejewelled creatures, textured vessels and objects that challenge your perception. Each artist brings their own unique concept, such as themes of absence, nostalgia, preciousness and materiality, to create a dreamlike experience for our audience. We welcome you to explore our work and join us to celebrate our residency at GSA.’
SaltSpace, Building, Floor 2, Axiom, 54 Washington St, Glasgow G3 8AZ, 10 - 16 May
The 'At Home with Silver' weekend by the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust was held in partnership with Marchmont House and the Marchmont Makers Foundation. It brought together the silversmithing industry and supporters to celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
‘Woven through the weekend was the passing on of craft skills and knowledge, embodied by late master silversmith Graham Stewart who gifted the entire contents of his workshop to the SGT in 2020 and the raising of a 'common bowl' by participants at the event. Silversmiths Rod Kelly, Brett Payne, Ryan McClean and Angela Cork guided attendees as they completed a course of raising. In line with the ethos of the SGT, the bowl was created from 'Silver AgAIN' - silver recycled from medical x-ray film which helps hospitals recoup money from old x-rays usually stored or sent to landfill.
Present at the event were practising silversmiths, curators, writers, jewellers, funders, industry leaders, supporters, students and silver nerds, all of whom share a love for the material and language of silver and supporting and nurturing excellence in design and making.’ – Karin Paynter
Special thank you to Director and Founder of Marchmont Ventures, Hugo Burge, for his ongoing support throughout this new and exciting opportunity. Thank you also to Lucy Brown and the Marchmont House Staff, SGT, Ebba Goring, Clare Hanna, Eda Obermanns-Johnson and Karin Paynter for a fantastic weekend celebration.
I am incredibly grateful to have undertaken a two-week training course with Rod Kelly at the South House Silver Workshop, Shetland, ahead of the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop back in February. This training has been made possible by the generous support of Rod Kelly & The South House Silver Workshop, John Andrews and The Pearson Foundation, The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, Marchmont Creative Spaces & The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
I have had time to reflect on progress made after a fabulous fortnight with Rod learning to sink a tray alongside building chasing & repoussé techniques. There is still plenty to crack on with back at the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop with plans to decorate my tray soon as I continue to experiment with the possibilities of the techniques and the limits of the material.
I can’t thank Rod enough for his kindness, generosity and support over these last couple of months. Hannah Keddie, Dr Karen Westland & I had the fantastic opportunity to forge a pair of steel tongs together as well as explore Shetland with Rod and his two beautiful dogs. It truly was a magical experience and I look forward to sharing the final results soon.
Excited to announce that Scott has been chosen as one of four Silversmiths who will be taking up tenancy at Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop, located in the Scottish Borders.
The renovations on site are underway and scheduled to be completed early next year. For more information on this project and to read the full announcement, visit the SGT site.
Scott exhibited during Week Two, 4th-9th October, at Goldsmiths Fair in the Goldsmiths Hall, London.
‘Celebrating 40 years as the primary destination for contemporary silver and fine jewellery, Bringing together 136 of the UK’s most extraordinary Silversmiths and Goldsmiths.’
Scott recently exhibited during Elements: Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold at Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh from 28th-30th October.
'Elements is Scotland’s only selling fair of contemporary jewellery and silver. Now in its eighth year, Elements will once again bring the finest designer makers from across the UK together with Lyon & Turnbull.'
As part of the prize for winning the Gosset Champagne Award in the 2021 Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards, I was invited to Cognac, France with Louis Latour in January. This bespoke trip included a tour of the Frapin Distillery, a tasting session in the cellars and an overnight stay in the Château at the centre of their vineyard. We sampled various blends of wine & cognac through a paired tasting meal in the heart of Cognac.
‘Their Cognacs are made entirely on the family’s single estate which includes 240 hectares of vines surrounding the Château de Fontpinot with its distillery and ageing warehouses over two levels. The whole property lies in the Grande Champagne area which is regarded as Cognac’s best appellation and is highly prized for both the quality and intensity of its spirits and their longevity.’
I learnt so much about the heritage and craftmanship involved at Frapin Cognac and am extremely grateful to Rebecca Fraser, Louis Latour and the GCDC Team for making this trip so special.
A collection of my work is currently in Spotlighting: Getting Started, A 2023 showcase of early career makers in jewellery & silversmithing in the spotlight on display in the atrium of Goldsmiths Centre, Farringdon, 2nd Mar - 25th Apr.
‘Discover exciting, fresh and innovative work brimming with potential at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.
All spot-lit early career makers successfully completed the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s free introduction to business course, Getting Started Online 2022. They also received further business skills training, tailored to their needs, helping them to build their confidence and best present their work in person and online.’
I am delighted and honoured to be awarded Gold & The Gosset Champagne Award at the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Awards last night for my caviar spoon & rest design.
I designed four mother of pearl spoons with a cast silver Gosset Champagne logo draped around the handle with matching cast silver logo rest. Champagne and caviar are a classic and globally recognised wine and food pairing and the bowl of the spoon cannot be made from metal because it can damage the flavour of the delicate sturgeon eggs. ‘To win this three times is unheard of, as it is judged blind, with the judges unaware of the identity of the entrants until the awards ceremony itself. It is an astonishing achievement.’ – Louis Latour.
Glasgow School of Art also won the College Trophy and I am proud of my work as Artist in Residence in the S&J department there. Such a fantastic evening celebrating with everyone and meeting new friends in the industry. The standard of competition was really high, so I am really honoured to have won again. It’s brilliant that Champagne Gosset is nurturing design and creativity with their support for these awards.
International Business Director for Champagne Gosset, Bertrand Verduzier said, “Scott has consistently showed an appreciation of Gosset’s heritage, style and values. His designs speak to the spirit of the champagnes we produce, mixing tradition and modernity. It’s extraordinary that he should be chosen as the outright winner of the award three times!”
Scott recently spent a week with the Contemporary British Silversmiths as part of the Skills Training Programme: Box Making Incorporating a Hinge at the Goldsmiths Centre, London. Thank you to Ray Walton and Stuart Jenkins for their incredible patience, knowledge and help.
