Presentation Awards for Forth Valley College Delegation

The commission was prepared for presentation in China, creating an opportunity to develop a design that reflected both the destination and its Scottish origin.

The horse was chosen as a point of connection between the two cultures. Within Chinese tradition it carries significance through the zodiac, while the flowing knotwork draws on a recognisably Scottish visual language.

Rather than treating these as separate elements, the knotwork was woven through and around the horse form, allowing both references to exist within a single composition.

Form Selection

A faceted crystal award was chosen to support the design.

Beyond providing a substantial presentation piece, the angled surfaces introduced changing reflections and highlights across the crystal. This quality complemented the movement within the knotwork and reinforced the sense of energy within the horse motif. The faceted form also echoed the visual language of flame, an appropriate association given the connection to the Fire Horse within the Chinese zodiac.

Preparation and Engraving

Each award was prepared individually, incorporating the College logo and date within the layout.

Although the design remained the same across all six awards, preparation was carried out to ensure consistency of scale, placement and engraving depth throughout the set. Artwork was adjusted for the proportions of the crystal form before being transferred to stencil and prepared for production.

Outcome

The completed work formed a coordinated set of six presentation awards, each carrying the same horse and knotwork motif alongside the College identity and event date.

Prepared as a group, the awards provided a consistent visual language across the full presentation while retaining the detail and movement of the original design.

Closing

A Scottish motif prepared for presentation abroad, using a shared symbol to connect place, culture and occasion.