Set of Iona Celtic Art Teaspoons
Groam House Museum

In their original presentation box, these six silver spoons give us an insight into the Iona Celtic Art movement. During the first half of the twentieth century, the island of Iona was the home of a number of significant craftsmen and women, after Alexander and Euphemia Ritchie moved to Iona shortly after their marriage in 1898, setting up a workshop. It was to have a long-lasting impact on the creative industries of the region.  

Over the years, a number of formal and informal apprentices were taught on Iona and a group became established.   

In 1945, the Celtic Art Industries was set up by Hamish Dawson-Bowman to foster the production of jewellery in a distinctive Scottish style and to provide training for disabled ex-soldiers. Membership included Iain MacCormick who had trained under Alexander Ritchie.  

One of the spoons bears the mark of MacCormick, with the other five produced by Dawson-Bowman.