Object of the Day: A Paperweight by Caithness Glass, Scotland

Founded in 1961 and granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1968, Caithness Glass in Scotland has been responsible for producing some of the most magnificent art glass pieces in the world.


As a longtime collector of paperweights, I became familiar with Caithness Glass while in my early teens. One of my favorite pieces is this striking paperweight called “Helter Skelter.” Designed by Colin Terris, “Helter Skelter” is described as “A random spiral of millefiori canes descending frantically to a dark bubble base.”

A striking mix of colors, the millefiori stands out against the black pool beneath them. Red, purple and white create jewel-like forms—suspended in solid crystal. What most appeals to me about this piece is the use of traditional elements in a contemporary design. This is the genius of the artists at Caithness.

Here we see that the ideals of “The Beautiful Era” have been preserved and repurposed. It’s a combination that we should seek in all areas of our lives.