Helen MacDonald
Helen MacDonald, a native of Caithness, began her career with Caithness Glass in 1974, when she became a trainee glass engraver at the factory in Wick.
Under the immediate instruction of David Gulland and Dennis Mann, both highly skilled in the art of copper-wheel engraving, Helen's designs soon became an integral part of the Caithness Glass engraved glassware range.
A move to the factory in Perth in 1985 was Helen's next step, where she took up the post of designer to Colin Terris, allowing her to expand and develop her craft. She would no longer have to rely on the production blown glassware but could utilize the guidance and experience of the Caithness 'master designer', Colin Terris, along with the glassmaking skills of the 'maestro' Franco Toffolo who would create freehand shapes to Helen's specification. As she continued to experiment with the glass a new style emerged - a fusion between the skills of the glassmaker and the engraver. A range of intricate designs engraved on sculptured vases and plates was launched and became an instant success.
At the same time Helen also developed her skills as a paperweight designer, taking her inspiration from a myriad of sources. Helen's designs quickly became popular with collectors and she is particularly well known for her Biblical series of paperweights and her floral designs.
In 2003 Helen was appointed Lead Designer at Caithness Glass and in 2004 she launched a special range of paperweights to celebrate her 30 years with Caithness Glass. Helen's appearances at paperweight events around the world always draw dedicated collectors as well as those who are new to the Caithness Glass product range.