Parliamentary News Release
056/2004
27 September 2004
THE THREE HONOURS
Sculpture Symbolises Their Importance in Scotland's Story
(Image courtesy of David Cheskin, Press Association)
A sculpture commissioned by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh and being presented by Her Majesty The Queen to the Scottish Parliament on the opening day (9 October) is being delivered today to Holyrood.
The sculpture, made of sterling silver, some of it plated with 24 ct gold and weighing 50 lbs, will be packaged at the Dunblane workshop where it was created - ready for personal delivery by its creator, silversmith Graham Stewart.
The abstract design is based on the three Honours — the Crown, the Sword and the Sceptre — and symbolises their importance during one chapter of Scotland 's ongoing story.
Mr Stewart said:
“Making the sculpture has been a highly rewarding experience. I find it amazing that hundreds of years since they were first crafted by silver and goldsmiths in Scotland and Italy , I am now paying tribute to the Honours with this new sculpture.
“They are important symbols for Scotland and have a fascinating history.”
Scott Walter, Assay Master of the Scottish Assay Office which is owned by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths , said:
“Her Majesty will present the sculpture on the Opening Day of the new Scottish Parliament building on Saturday, October 9. The sculpture will be placed opposite the entrance of the public lobby in the new Parliament Building .”
The 28 inch high and 18 inch wide sculpture is of a bold and elegant design, linking the three elements of the Honours of Scotland in a single, flowing composition.
The Honours are the oldest sovereign regalia in the United Kingdom , and were always present during meetings of the old Scots Parliament.
Since 1819 they have been on public display in Edinburgh Castle .
Background
Mr Stewart was one of four Scottish silversmiths invited by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths last winter to submit a design for a large, impressive silver sculpture for the new Scottish Parliament building.
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