Object of the Day: A Bewitching Paperweight by Caithness Glass

Since 1961, Scotland-based Caithness Glass has been producing beautiful art glass pieces inspired by the scenes and hues of the Scottish landscape. I have collected many pieces of Caithness Glass over the decades and, as a teenager, was a member of the Caithness Collectors Club. Their paperweights have long been heralded for their beauty and quality. In fact, in 1968 Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, granted Caithness a Royal Warrant for their exceptional work.


This amethyst-toned paperweight by Caithness designer Alastair MacIntosh, entitled “Bewitched” takes its color cues from the purple heather of Scotland. Lilac tendrils sway around a silvery Baroque bubble which floats above a bed of aubergine. It is, indeed, a bewitching piece which speaks of the magic of Scotland and the impeccable sorcery of the masters of Caithness Glass.

Object of the Day: A Caithness Collectors Club Pin

I haven’t changed much over the years. Sure, I’m taller and my hair is redder, but otherwise the same things that thrilled me as a kid, thrill me today. I’ve always had an interest in art and antiques—even as a child. In my early teens, I started collecting paperweights. You’ve all seen many of my paperweights here at Stalking the Belle Époque.


My parents always encouraged my interests in the arts and humanities and when I began collecting paperweights, they enrolled me in the Caithness Collectors Club. The artisans at Scottish Caithness Glass have been producing exceptional paperweights since 1961. They understand that collectors of their glass are always interested in finding out more about the items which excite them, and, so they founded the Collectors Club. As part of my membership, I received this attractive pin. A miniature paperweight of crystal and millefiori, it is marked “CCC.” I’ve kept this little pin for nearly thirty years and it still makes me smile.

These days, Caithness calls their club, “The Paperweight Collectors Society.” Membership is quite reasonably priced. If you’re a collector of paperweights and have an interest in Caithness Glass, joining the society would be a great way to learn more.

Object of the Day: Opus ’88 by Caithness Glass

As I’ve mentioned previously, Scottish Art Glass company, Caithness Glass has been producing amazing and exceptional works of art since 1961. Of the many Caithness pieces in my collection, one particular favorite is this floral-inspired paperweight entitled, Opus ’88.


Designed by Colin Terris, the piece is described in its accompanying paperwork as, “Set upon a vibrant cobalt blue base, a delicate rose form rests within a flourish of delicate greenery.” Truly, the fineness of this work is exquisite. The utter skill with which this was created is astounding and represents the brilliance of the artists at Caithness.

Crystal paperweights are fascinating objects, really. Humans have an innate curiosity about anything which reflects light. However, when you add the element of drama inherent in something which appears to be a world unto itself, we can’t help but be enthralled. And, really, that’s what the artists at Caithness have done here. They’ve created a microcosm in glass. The floral form at the center of the paperweight is both detailed and abstract. On first glance, it appears to be a rose, however on closer inspection, we can see that it’s more than that, it’s a series of planes, textures, lines and colors which when combined give us an impression of something familiar. You could study this for hours and always find something new. That, in my opinion, is the essence of art.

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.

Object of the Day: A Caithness Paperweight Commemorating Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee

As a longtime collector of paperweights, I’ve always had a special fondness for the work of Scottish glass company, Caithness. So, when I recently found this Caithness paperweight commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s first fifty years on the throne, I was particularly excited because it satisfied two of my collecting passions.

This paperweight—signed and numbered—shows a Tudor Rose atop an abstract ground of gold and regal purple. Above the red rose is a suspended bubble in the crystal signifying the Queen’s power and elegance. The top surface of the piece in etched with the date of Her Majesty’s accession.  As you can see, Bertie approves.