This project is a new collaboration between designers Nick Ross and Fraser Reid, commissioned by Arts & Business Scotland; an organisation which brings together business with cultural groups. 

The set of objects is a play on the idea of archetypal ancient Greek trophies.

“Since ancient times awards have been given out to recognise success and achievement, the modern ‘trophy’ is based on the vessels given out during the Olympic games in ancient Greece which were designed to contain sacred oils.

Over time the focus of the trophy’s form has shifted from a container to what is now merely a symbol of its past function.” says Ross.

The awards were created by casting synthetic plaster into classic sports trophy forms - putting the contents back into the trophy to create something with more substance.

By taking iconic trophy shapes, the team created solids from the inside vacuum within to create a type of inverted form, and these were then placed upon tripods (a form also used in ancient Rome for a similar purpose) so that the pieces are suspended, placing a sense of importance and fragility upon them.

Barclay Price, director of Arts & Business Scotland said:

“The Arts & Business Scotland awards celebrate the most outstanding and creative partnerships between businesses and arts organisations in Scotland. It is fantastic to have locally created and inspired art works to present to our winners."