This sterling silver bowl is adorned with cabochon stones of sapphire, ruby, or emerald: a simple design enhanced by its satisfying weight. Cool silver contrasts with the warmth of its gilded interior.
This piece is held aloft by feet depicting an iconic Glasgow pattern, inspired by traditional Celtic knots. This design was created by the workshop a century ago to represent Glasgow, many alternative renditions can be found across the city.
Compliment with a pair of sterling silver tumblers for a perfect display of opulence.
Materials: solid silver, cabochon sapphires, rubies or emeralds, fine gold.
Commission Time: 6 Week
Care instructions: display mindfully in a cool, dry place. Dust regularly by hand with a clean, soft cotton cloth.
The Process
With over three decades of experience Colin's expertise is unparalleled: he continues to be a fount of knowledge for fellow silversmith and humble visitor alike. From regular maintenance of the Ryder cup to repairing Royal and Military silverware, Colin enjoys nothing more than settling into his workspace and utilising inherited tools to conduct traditional silversmithing techniques. Fuelled by the flow of diverse conversations and a strong cup of black coffee, Colin creates bespoke pieces such as his whisky tumblers or dancing lady figurine.
The Process
The Maker
Hidden above the hive of Glasgow’s City Centre is a sanctuary for many a weary soul. A workshop where folk of many mindset and background come to take a breath, a seat, and sip a cup of tea in the company of friends. With the sound of the polisher whirling in the background, a repetitive hammering reverberates the dust from the covered walls, momentarily uncovering decades of stories shared, and opinions expressed. Surrounded by his craftsfolk, with aged and oxidised treasures littering every surface, Colin Tullis is a master of his trade, while caretaker of this intriguing shared space. Colin started his apprenticeship over 30 years ago under the late Mr Fletcher. He first introduced a variety of tools, many of which most loved at over 100 years old: handles worn soft and curved by the craftsman’s hand. Such tools have commissioned and repaired pieces for the likes of JoMo Kenyatta, The Vatican, Royal and Military Memorials, and museums. It cannot be denied that history flows through every surface of the workshop. It was here that Colin was taught the language of metal. Refining his craft, he learned to mould and manipulate silver to create incredible works of art, as well as restoring pieces of silver to reflect their original form, with historical relevance. Specialising in antique silverware and silver repair, their silver roots can be traced back to 1497. The Hammermen of Glasgow was already an influential and affluent trade of the Burgess, before it became the city. The Hammermen, whose motto remains, “By hammer in hand all arts do stand,” was incorporated in 1536 to protect their members from infiltrators, while establishing and maintaining standards of workmanship. In the hundreds of years since incorporation, Glasgow’s Hammermen have produced some fine pieces of silversmith work which return to Colins workshopsm for repair to this day. It cannot be denied that this silversmith’s workshop is a cave of treasures for both the soul and the senses. It takes a certain eye to see beyond the veil of chaos manifest on every surface, to discover the treasures that sleep under a haze of oxidation in every corner. With the establishment of a network of craftspeople from a variety of backgrounds, creeds, and stances, Colin's workshop is the archetype for Lost Artisans, both in ethos and practice.
