Caithness Glass

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"Glass is art"

Caithness glass and colour are synonymous. From the set up of the glass studios in 1961 in Wick, in Scotland's far north, Caithness sought to use colours innovatively, taking inspiration from the stunning surrounding landscapes of Scotland. From the purple of the heather clad moors, to the smoky grey of the burning peat, and the vibrant blue of the Scottish lochs, the innovative use of colour in glass is inherent in Caithness' designs.

The company began with vases, bowls, and wine and whisky glasses designed in the popular Scandinavian style of the time. These were very popular and must have caught the eye of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, as in 1968 Caithness was honoured by the granting of a Royal Warrant.

The same year Colin Terris joined the company to set up an engraving studio. There he met Paul Ysart who was an internationally recognized traditional paperweights designer. During secretive paperweight making sessions Paul imparted many secrets to Colin, who in turn was inspired to use the paperweight form to produce a completely different modern look. In so doing Colin modernized paperweight thinking by inventing a whole new genre. Due to the interest in space exploration at the time, Colin's first designs were themed around The Planets. This set of four rapidly sold out, and Caithness' world leading paperweight business grew from there.

Since then Caithness has produced a magnificent range of moderm paperweights in a myriad of colours, themes and styles and is the toast of paperweight collectors and lovers of fine coloured glass in more than 45 countries worldwide.

Today Caithness Glass continues to produce both the innovative modern paperweights for which they are famous, and both modern and more traditional art glass. Every piece continues to be handmade in Scotland, and is a unique work of art. What could be more perfect for collecting or gifting for all occasions?