Peter Rowland - Designer Silversmith

Crumbreck, Orphir, Orkney KW17 2RF

Tel/Fax: 01856 811347

Peter Rowland is a family-run business that was set up in 1995. The gallery and workshop is in a picturesque location that looks out to the dramatic scenery of the island of Hoy, off the west coast of Orkney's main island. Here Peter designs and creates superb items made from silver, helped by his wife Jane, who attends to the business side of things. Born and trained in Cheshire, he draws his inspiration from the many landscapes, changing skies and wildlife of the Orkney Islands.

His workshop was once a typical crofter's cottage, but in 1994, when he decided to set up his business, it was in need of renovation, which he did all by himself over the next two years. Most of it was totally rebuilt of local stone, providing a family home with attached workshop. Peter's work is all hand-made, using skills that have been passed down for generations of silversmiths. He specialises in the design and manufacture of limited editions, and undertakes many individual commissions. In 2002 he won the joint top award in the Scottish Select competition for a silver jug, ladle and two spoons.

A commission will start with Peter preparing designs which are shown to the client, and gradually an exquisite object will emerge as the designs are talked over, amended and finally approved. And his limited editions soon become collectors' items, so well designed and crafted are they.