Orkney Silversmiths, Elizabeth and Kevin Allen, are located here in Birsay.
Kevin is one of the increasingly rare silversmiths to be trained the old way;
indentured at 16 to a master craftsman according to the traditions of the Old
Guild System.
Kevin assists in the making of large pieces for other designers, such as the
table centrepiece for the Scottish First Minister's Residence.
Elizabeth Allen
graduated in 3D design after studying Silversmithing and Jewellery.
Kevin and Liz were attracted to Orkney by their interests in nature, the
landscape and it's past. They like to use their skills of the past to create
things that are relevant to the present an the future.
The St. Magnus Church Birsay Trust asked Liz to design jewellery for them
based on the decorations at the base of the stained glass window in the church.
The designs, by Mrs. Loveday McPherson, under the stained glass window are
reminiscent of the designs by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Each piece of this jewellery is carefully finished by Kevin in their Birsay
workshop.
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