College student wins prestigious national cutlery design competition

City of Glasgow College is celebrating the success of final year HND Jewellery student Alice Sinclair Best, who has won the Worshipful Company of Cutlers Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition 2026 with her striking design, Balance.

Alice’s success in the prestigious annual competition is a significant achievement and recognises the exceptional creativity, technical skill and professionalism being developed by students at the College.

Run by the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies, the Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition is a highly respected national platform for emerging designers. This year marks the sixth winning set selected as part of the competition’s 100-year legacy, making Alice’s success all the more notable.

As the 2026 winner, Alice will now see her design professionally produced with the support of a Silversmith before it is added to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers’ prestigious collection. She will also travel to the historic Cutlers’ Hall in London later this year to attend the official awards ceremony.

Alice’s winning design, Balance, impressed judges with its elegance, originality and thoughtful functionality.

In their statement, the judges described the piece as: “A refined and well-balanced design, embodying dignity through its simplicity and courage through its delicate form.”

Inspired by traditional cutlery forms and reimagined through a contemporary lens, Balance combines craftsmanship, cultural influence and innovation. Alice drew inspiration from the handcrafted scroll of the fiddle, while also considering the practical and hygienic experience of dining.

Alice Sinclair Best said: “I designed this cutlery set by reinterpreting traditional forms through a simple, contemporary lens, drawing inspiration from the fiddle and its handcrafted scroll. Influenced by the importance of cleanliness in dining, particularly in East Asian cultures, I integrated balance into each piece, so it rests on its own, keeping the head elevated from the table. Crafted in silver for its antibacterial qualities, the design offers a refined and hygienic eating experience.”

David Finlay, Jewellery Lecturer at City of Glasgow College, said: “Alice’s success is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to her talent, dedication and design intelligence. To be recognised by such a prestigious organisation is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the high standard of creative practice within our Jewellery department. We are incredibly proud to see Alice’s work celebrated on a national stage.”

This latest success highlights City of Glasgow College’s continued commitment to nurturing emerging creative talent and preparing students to excel in competitive professional industries. Alice’s achievement is not only a personal milestone, but also a proud moment for the College and its vibrant community of designers and makers.