Iona Hall is inspired by her upbringing on the Scottish coast, where creativity was nurtured in a household filled with art materials and a working studio. Iona expresses her ideas through drawing and illustration, developing themes that feed into a visual language reflecting an attentiveness to tactile qualities. She graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in silversmithing and jewellery and trained further at Bishopsland Educational Trust. Her work evokes the thrill of discovery, like spotting a stone among countless pebbles, sparking a moment of connection. Three times awarded by GC&DC, Iona responds intuitively to metal as a drawing surface, using traditional chasing and repoussé techniques to sculpt, texture and form an illustrative narrative. Her practice has further accolades including the Heritage Crafts Precious Metals Bursary (funded by the Royal Mint), Contemporary British Silversmiths Industry Award, and the Visual Arts and Crafts Award.

 
The Moray Coast Collection reflects how Iona visually experiences the remote Scottish Highland beaches of Hopeman, Clashach, and Sculptor’s Cave. Her focus is attuned to a sense of discovery. Weathered rocks, seaweed threads, clustered pebbles, and water channels animate the shoreline, forming a dialogue between organic lines and angular forms. Her process begins with observational drawings or intuitive impressions. She merges elements from multiple drawings to echo the act of exploring. By concentrating on details that invite touch - tactile contrasts, sporadic patterns, and fluid lines - their arrangement is a considered part of the craftsmanship of both physical form and design. Traditional chasing and repoussé, carried out with hand-forged tools, creates unique marks that reflect Iona’s character and bring the work to life. Contrasts of matte, polished, and gold finishes, highlight moments of discovery. Opening the objects reveals hidden details and functions, heightening the promise of treasure within.