Hubbry Logo
Thomas LyteThomas LyteMain
Open search
Thomas Lyte
Community hub
Thomas Lyte
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Thomas Lyte
Thomas Lyte
from Wikipedia

Thomas Lyte is an English luxury brand specialising in gold and silverware, sporting trophies and objet d'art.[1][2] The company has designed, made or restored many well known trophies and medals, such as football’s FA Cup, golf’s Ryder Cup, rugby’s RBS 6 Nations and Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup, and the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoff Trophy.[2][3][4][5][6]

Royal Warrant Holders

[edit]

In January 2015 Queen Elizabeth II appointed a Royal Warrant to Thomas Lyte as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths. Granted for a five-year period to the firm, with founder Kevin Baker as a grantee, the appointment recognises that Thomas Lyte has been a direct supplier and restorer of silverware to the Royal Household since 2010.

Subsequent to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Thomas Lyte were awarded a Royal Warrant as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to the new King, Charles III, in 2024.[7]

History and heritage

[edit]

Thomas Lyte was founded by Kevin Baker in 2007.[1]

Its products are designed and created in the company’s London-based gold and silversmith workshops.[1][2] Thomas Lyte is named after the Lyte Jewel, which was made by miniaturist Nicholas Hilliard.[8]

Thomas Lyte silverware

[edit]

Below is a list of a number of trophies designed, made or restored at Thomas Lyte's London workshops.

In addition to sports trophies, Thomas Lyte designed and manufactured the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Processional Cross, a gift for Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Thomas Lyte also designed, crafted and donated the Baton of Hope, the physical symbol of the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative of the same name.[9][10][11]

[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]
Trophy Sport Process Year
FA Cup Football Designed and made 2011
Webb Ellis Cup Rugby Restored Annually
Louis Vuitton Cup Sailing Designed and made 2024
Al Ula Camel Cup Camel Racing Designed and made 2023
United Cup Tennis Designed and made 2022
Women's Rugby

World Cup Trophy

Rugby Designed and made 2025
AFC Asian Cup Football Designed and made 2017
SAFF King's Cup Football Designed and made 2024
ATP Finals Trophies

(Singles and Doubles)

Tennis Designed and made 2009
Esports World Cup 'Club

Championship' Trophy

Esports Designed and made 2024
The Hundred Trophies (Mens'

and Women's)

Cricket Designed and made 2021
International League T20

(ILT20) trophy

Cricket Designed and made 2022
Laver Cup Tennis Designed and made 2017
ATP World No.1 Trophies (Singles

and Doubles)

Tennis Designed and made 2009
Women's FA Cup Football Designed and made 1997
Egyptian Premier League Shield Football Designed and made 2024
Rocket League World

Championship Trophy

Esports Designed and made 2025
Fortnite Global Championship

Trophy

Esports Designed and made 2025
Fortnite Championship Series

(FNCS) Pro-Am Trophy

Esports Designed and made 2025
Youth America's Cup Sailing Designed and made 2024
African Football League Trophy Football Designed and made 2023
Rocket League Championship

Series (RLCS) Birmingham

Major Trophy

Esports Designed and made 2025
ICC T20 World Cup (Women's) Cricket Maker 2021
ICC T20 World Cup (Men's) Cricket Maker 2021
League of Legends European

Championship Trophy (LEC)

Esports Designed and made 2019
AFC Champions League Elite

Trophy

Football Designed and made 2024
AFC Women's Champions League

Trophy

Football Designed and made 2024
AFC Champions League Two

Trophy

Football Designed and made 2024
SA20 Trophy Cricket Designed and made 2022
Billie Jean King Cup Tennis Restored Annually
Six Nations (Men's) Rugby Designed and made 2015
EPCR Champions Cup Rugby Designed and made 2014
The King Abdulaziz Camel

Festival Trophies

Camel Clubs Designed and made 2019
Women's Scottish Cup Football Designed and made 2022
Lions Series Trophy Rugby Designed and made 2021
SailGP Trophy Sailing Designed and made 2019
FIFAe World Cup Esports Designed and made 2018
Six Nations (Women's) Trophy Rugby Designed and made 2023
Egyptian WE League Cup Football Maker 2022
FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Hockey Restored Annually
SWPL and SWPL2 Trophies Football Designed and made 2023
United Rugby Championship (URC)

Trophy

Rugby Designed and made 2022
UEFA eChampions League Trophy Esports Designed and made 2019
The FA Community Shield Football Maker and Restorer 2016
Ethiopian Premier League Trophy Football Maker 2021
ICC World Championship Mace Cricket Maker 2021
European Rugby Challenge Cup Rugby Designed and made 2014
AFC Women's Asian Cup Football Designed and made 2018
FIBA World Cup Trophy Basketball Maker 2017
Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup Equestrian Designed and made 2017
Auld Alliance Trophy Rugby Designed and made 2018
Louis Vuitton America’s Cup

Challenger Playoffs Trophy

Sailing Designed and made 2017
SkyBet EFL Trophies Football Designed and made 2011
FIM Speedway of Nations Trophy Speedway Designed and made 2018
Vitality Blast Trophy Cricket Designed and made 2018
National League Trophies

(inc. North and South)

Football Designed and made 2016
Melrose Cup Rugby Restored Annually
Basketball Champions League

Trophy

Basketball Maker 2017
SWPL Sky Sports Cup Football Designed and made 2023
CONCACAF Champions League

Trophy

Football Maker 2009
WTA Finals Trophy Tennis Maker 2014
Davis Cup Tennis Restored Annually
Ryder Cup Golf Restored Annually
League of Legends

Summoner's Cup

Esports Maker 2012
Copa América Centenario Trophy Football Maker 2016
Malta FA Trophy Football Designed and made 2016
European Open Trophy Golf Restored Annually
Gauntlet of Polo Trophy Equestrian Maker 2019
Lions 1888 Cup Rugby Designed and made 2021
British Grand Prix Trophy Formula One Restored 2018
FIH Women's Hockey World Cup Hockey Designed and made 2018
World Speedway Grand Prix

Trophy

Speedway Designed and made 2018
Elite Ice Hockey League

Championship Trophy

Ice Hockey Designed and made 2019

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Lyte is a British luxury brand based in , specializing in goldsmithing and silversmithing, particularly renowned for designing and crafting iconic elite sporting trophies and exquisite . Founded in 2007 by Kevin Baker as a of the earlier Phoenix Luxury company, the company blends centuries-old traditional craftsmanship with innovative modern techniques, such as and , to produce high-quality silverware and items for clients including royalty, governments, corporations, and major sporting organizations. The brand's name originates from Thomas Lyte (1568–1638), a 17th-century English antiquary and genealogist who created a genealogy tracing King James I's ancestry and received the Lyte Jewel—a gold pendant by depicting the King and his lineage—as a royal gift around 1610, symbolizing the company's commitment to historical prestige and meticulous artistry. Established initially as a response to the of luxury manufacturing, Thomas Lyte emphasizes sustainable, handcrafted production in its workshops, reviving British silversmithing traditions that date back to around . Among its most notable achievements, Thomas Lyte has created or restored prestigious trophies such as the Emirates FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup trophy (as official restorers), the Ryder Cup, and the ATP Finals trophies, as well as restoring and designing items like the Processional Cross for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The company holds a Royal Warrant, first granted in 2015 by Queen Elizabeth II as goldsmiths and silversmiths to the Royal Household and reaffirmed in 2024 by King Charles III, recognizing its exceptional quality and service among fewer than 850 such holders worldwide. Additionally, Thomas Lyte supports emerging British artists through its foundation and has expanded into commissions for global events, including the official trophy and medals for the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship.

Founding and Overview

Establishment

Thomas Lyte was founded in 2005 by Kevin Baker in , establishing itself as a luxury brand specializing in gold and silverware. The company's name draws inspiration from the Lyte Jewel, a miniature of King James I. Thomas Lyte (1568–1638), an , traced the monarch's genealogy back to the mythical Trojan founder of Britain, Brute, affirming James's royal lineage; Lyte presented this genealogy to the king on 12 1610, who in turn gifted him the jewel. This historical artifact, now held by the , symbolizes the blend of artistry and prestige that Baker sought to evoke in the modern brand. From its inception, Thomas Lyte emphasized commissions for private clients and organizations, combining traditional silversmithing techniques with contemporary principles to create custom pieces. As founder and CEO, Kevin Baker, who brought experience in , envisioned disrupting the age-old silversmithing industry by integrating modern technologies like with time-honored craftsmanship, aiming to rejuvenate British luxury heritage for a global audience.

Operations

Thomas Lyte maintains its headquarters and purpose-built workshops at Unit 8, Rear of 19-21 Fowler Road, , IG6 3UT, where all design, crafting, and restoration activities are centralized. These state-of-the-art facilities, among the largest and most sophisticated goldsmithing and silversmithing workshops in , are equipped with advanced tooling and machinery to support commissions while upholding traditional craftsmanship standards. The company employs a team of master goldsmiths, silversmiths, engravers, chasers, polishers, and other specialist craftspeople, supplemented by apprentices to ensure the continuity of heritage skills. Through partnerships with The Goldsmiths' Centre, Thomas Lyte offers structured 3-5 year apprenticeships in goldsmithing and silversmithing, involving hands-on training under master craftspeople, 20 days annually at the Centre, and networking events, culminating in recognized qualifications. Operations integrate modern technologies such as CAD software, 3D printers, and scanners for precise design and prototyping with time-honored handcrafting methods, including hot forging, hand-engraving, filing, sanding, , and to achieve fine finishes. This hybrid approach allows for innovative yet authentic production, with every piece undergoing rigorous quality control by technicians and senior staff. Ethical practices underpin daily operations, with responsibly sourced raw materials featuring a traceable ; metals are naturally recyclable, and all by-products are reused, recycled, or repurposed. As a Mark-certified member, the company commits to annual carbon emission reductions targeting net-zero, powered by from solar panels at its workshops and a fully fleet. Additionally, Thomas Lyte donates a percentage of profits to the Thomas Lyte Foundation, a registered charity established to support emerging craftspeople through skill-sharing programs and apprenticeships that promote creativity and traditional arts.

History and Milestones

Early Years

Thomas Lyte was founded by Kevin Baker in 2005 as a brand specializing in high-end silverware and accessories, drawing on Baker's prior experience in the luxury sector with companies like Dunhill and . The company quickly launched its first silverware lines in late 2007 and 2008, featuring items such as silver hand weights, jewelry boxes, and backgammon sets, alongside early corporate gifts like engraved pens and leather pouches designed for executive clients. These products emphasized ethical sourcing and distinctive craftsmanship, positioning Thomas Lyte as an accessible yet premium option in the luxury market during the onset of the global . By 2009–2010, Thomas Lyte expanded into initial forays in sporting trophies through the acquisition of a traditional specializing in repairs for UK sports awards, which tripled the company's silver business within two years. This move enabled minor commissions for awards from various sports organizations, blending restoration work with original designs to build expertise in the sector. The company also became a direct supplier of gold and silverware to the Royal Household in 2010, enhancing its reputation among high-profile private clients. From 2010 to 2014, Thomas Lyte's clientele grew from private luxury buyers and corporate executives to include elite sports bodies, supported by strategic hires of skilled artisans laid off during the recession and the establishment of a London workshop. Facing challenges in a traditional industry dominated by heritage crafts and limited innovation, Baker addressed these by prioritizing contemporary designs inspired by Gothic and Arts & Crafts motifs, integrated with modern techniques to appeal to younger, global audiences. This approach culminated in the granting of a Royal Warrant in 2015 as goldsmiths and silversmiths to the monarch, marking a pivotal early achievement.

Expansion

Following the foundation in bespoke silverware during its early years, Thomas Lyte experienced significant scaling from the mid-2010s, marked by a surge in commissions from major sports leagues. Starting in 2016, the company undertook annual restorations and maintenance for high-profile trophies, including the Emirates FA Cup, alongside new designs such as the U.S. Men's Championships Doubles Trophy and the Trophy. This period saw expanded involvement in elite sporting events, with additional projects like the rebuild of the original Charity Shield to commemorate the 50th anniversary of England's victory. In 2018, Thomas Lyte broadened its market reach by launching stock trophy lines, offering standardized luxury silver and crystal awards such as the Thomas Lyte Stock Trophy and the Twisted Spitfire Award, which complemented its offerings. This initiative coincided with an expansion of online sales capabilities, enabling global access to these ready-made items through the company's platform. By 2020, the company's international footprint grew through ongoing collaborations with global , including its as supplier and restorer for the , a biennial golf competition that underscores its expertise in preserving sporting heritage. Recent milestones further solidified this expansion, with the 2022 commission to design and craft the Queen Platinum Processional Cross as a to the monarch, presented at during the jubilee celebrations. In 2024, Thomas Lyte's Royal Warrant as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty King Charles III was renewed, reflecting sustained royal patronage and contributing to heightened global recognition. In 2025, Thomas Lyte was commissioned to create the trophy and medals for the Global Championship.

Royal Warrant

Grant History

Thomas Lyte received its initial Royal Warrant in January 2015, granted by Queen Elizabeth II as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to the for a five-year period. The company's expertise in silverwork, established since its founding in 2007, served as a key qualifying factor for this recognition. The warrant was renewed in 2020 under Queen Elizabeth II, extending the appointment for an additional five years and affirming Thomas Lyte's continued provision of high-quality goldsmithing and silversmithing services. Following the accession of King Charles III, existing warrants lapsed in 2022 and were subject to review; Thomas Lyte's was reaffirmed in 2024 by the Royal Warrant Committee, updating the designation to Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to His Majesty the King. This process was handled personally by Kevin Baker, the founder and CEO of Thomas Lyte, through the Royal Warrant Holders Association, of which the company is one of fewer than 850 global members.

Prestige and Impact

The attainment of Royal Warrant Holder status has elevated Thomas Lyte to a position of unparalleled distinction in the luxury craftsmanship sector, serving as an official endorsement of the company's supreme quality and unwavering reliability as suppliers to the British . This prestigious designation, held by fewer than 850 companies worldwide, underscores Thomas Lyte's commitment to exceptional standards, directly signaling to elite clients—including royal households and global corporations—the firm's proven excellence in goldsmithing and silversmithing. For luxury brands, such warrants represent the most direct affiliation with the , enhancing reputational prestige and enabling a premium on products due to the implied royal approval. The Royal Warrant provides significant and branding advantages, allowing Thomas Lyte to incorporate the official warrant on its products, packaging, and promotional materials since its initial grant in 2015. This visual symbol not only amplifies the brand's visibility and trustworthiness but also facilitates advertising the company's role as a royal supplier, thereby attracting high-profile commissions and bolstering commercial value through increased consumer confidence. As a member of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, Thomas Lyte gains access to collaborative networks that further promote ethical business practices aligned with royal expectations. In terms of industry impact, the warrant inspires Thomas Lyte's initiatives in apprenticeships and , with the company channeling 10% of profits through the Thomas Lyte Foundation to train the next generation of craftsmen while adhering to rigorous ethical standards. This alignment with royal values of responsibility and excellence encourages broader adoption of sustainable methods in luxury , positioning the firm as a leader in preserving traditional skills amid modern demands. Globally, the Royal Warrant cements Thomas Lyte's prestige, aligning it with historic luxury houses such as in the pantheon of British craftsmanship that exemplifies enduring quality and . This status enhances the company's international market position, representing the pinnacle of artisanal heritage to discerning clients worldwide.

Products and Services

Bespoke Silverware

Thomas Lyte specializes in the design and creation of custom luxury silverware items, including engraved silver , decanters, accessories, and personalized gifts tailored for individual and corporate clients. These pieces emphasize bold, innovative designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, often featuring intricate motifs derived from client briefs or historical inspirations. For instance, may incorporate personalized engravings such as initials or emblems, while decanters are crafted with tapered forms finished in for elegant barware presentation. accessories, including wallets, cardholders, and folios, are made from high-quality calf and can be embossed for added customization. The customization process begins with detailed client consultations, where Thomas Lyte's in-house design team collaborates to translate creative ideas into feasible designs, incorporating client-provided artwork, budgets, and deadlines typically spanning 9-12 weeks. Hand-engraving is a core technique, executed by skilled artisans using precise tools or machines to carve intricate patterns, a that requires up to a year to master for maintaining sharp edges. and silver plating follows, employing methods in specialized tanks to deposit thin layers of 18k or onto base materials, with applied to protect non-plated areas; this process ensures durable, high-end finishes while allowing targeted application for decorative elements. All pieces are hallmarked in to verify metal purity and authenticity. Materials are selected for their quality and , with and ethically sourced precious metals forming the foundation, complemented by for decanters and premium leathers for accessories. Thomas Lyte commits to sustainable practices, including net-zero carbon emissions goals by 2025, ensuring raw materials meet environmental standards without compromising luxury. The primary target markets include private clients seeking personalized items for weddings or special occasions, as well as corporate gifting for events, client appreciation, or executive rewards. This focus on non-sporting luxury items distinguishes the offerings, though restoration services can extend to silverware pieces as a complementary option.

Trophies and Awards

Thomas Lyte specializes in the design and handcrafting of custom silver and gold trophies, plinths, and medals tailored for elite sporting events across disciplines such as football, rugby, , and . These pieces are produced using the finest materials in their purpose-built workshops, where a team of skilled silversmiths employs both traditional techniques and modern innovations to create durable, symbolic awards that commemorate champions. For instance, their offerings include bespoke medals for the and trophies like the for , emphasizing precision craftsmanship for high-profile international competitions. The design philosophy at Thomas Lyte centers on crafting iconic and enduring forms that capture the essence of the sport, incorporating symbolic elements such as football motifs through advanced methods like , chasing, and gem inlay. This approach ensures each trophy not only serves as a functional but also as a lasting of achievement, blending aesthetic appeal with structural integrity to withstand and display over time. Techniques such as chasing allow for intricate detailing on silver surfaces, while gem inlays add personalized symbolism, as seen in rugby and commissions that evoke the spirit of competition. Production at Thomas Lyte spans a wide scale, from one-off event pieces to annual models, including the versatile Thomas Lyte Trophy available in heights of 50cm, 40cm, and 30cm. These options, which can be customized with engraving or plating in , silver-plated , or gold, cater to recurring awards while maintaining the brand's luxury standards. The company offers over 50 sports-specific items in their catalog, encompassing categories like football and , with notable examples including the trophy for and awards introduced since 2018. Exemplars such as the Emirates highlight their expertise in football trophies.

Restoration Work

Thomas Lyte specializes in the conservation and repair of historical silver, gold, and trophy items, offering services such as polishing, re-engraving, and structural repairs for both antiques and modern pieces. These services are conducted by highly specialized goldsmiths and silversmiths in the company's London workshops, ensuring the longevity of valuable artifacts through meticulous handcrafted processes. The company employs a blend of traditional and modern techniques to preserve the integrity of items, including non-invasive methods like for repairs, for gold restoration, and archival documentation to track and condition. Efforts are made to maintain the original and aesthetic, using tools such as high-speed lathes for polishing at over 3,000 rpm and for precise component replication, while avoiding alterations that could compromise historical authenticity. Thomas Lyte undertakes annual restorations for prominent sporting trophies, including the —originally crafted in and gold-plated in the —and the , which returns to their workshops between Rugby World Cups and during global tours for dent removal, scratch filing, and overall maintenance. This work extends to other elite items like the , ensuring year-round care for trophies that travel extensively. The clientele includes sports organizations, museums, and private collectors, with restorations supporting royal residences and high-profile events to promote by extending the lifespan of pieces rather than replacement. This approach aligns with Thomas Lyte's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2025, by-products and responsibly sourcing materials during repairs. In some cases, restoration integrates with new trophy designs by producing replicas to safeguard originals from wear during use.

Notable Commissions

Football Trophies

Thomas Lyte has been a key silversmith partner to (FA), designing and manufacturing several iconic football while providing ongoing maintenance and restorations. Their involvement began in the late and has expanded through a formal five-year partnership announced in 2021, under which they oversee the creation, refurbishment, and annual upkeep of major FA silverware in their workshops. For the Emirates FA Cup, Thomas Lyte designed and handcrafted the current trophy in 2014, marking the third iteration since 1911, using with intricate detailing by master silversmiths. They have managed the design and manufacture of the trophy's plinth and decorative elements since 2011, assuming full oversight of its production and annual refurbishments to ensure its presentation-ready condition for finals. This collaboration highlights their expertise in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern presentation standards. The , formerly known as the Charity Shield, has been under Thomas Lyte's care since the early , including a notable rebuild of the original design in 2016 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of England's 1966 victory. They create and annually restore the current shield, originally made in 2002, ensuring its structure remains pristine for the season's opening match between the and winners. Additionally, Thomas Lyte has designed the accompanying medals since 2021, incorporating FA branding and presentation cases. Thomas Lyte's contributions extend to other football awards, including the original design and manufacture of the trophy in 1997, commissioned by the FA to symbolize growing prominence in women's football, with ongoing restorations as part of their broader partnership. They also serve as designers and makers of the Sky Bet EFL Trophies, which recognize achievements across the English Football League's divisions, and have supported various community shields through custom silverwork. In recent years, post-2020, Thomas Lyte has incorporated sustainable practices into their football designs, utilizing responsibly sourced materials and innovative handcrafting techniques to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high standards of silverware. These advancements reflect their commitment to modernizing traditional methods for contemporary sporting commissions.

Other Sporting Items

Thomas Lyte has extended its expertise in trophy craftsmanship to various non-football sports, creating and maintaining awards that symbolize excellence in rugby, , , and emerging fields like . In rugby, the company serves as the official restorers of the , the iconic for the , handling annual maintenance and detailed restorations since the 2010s to preserve its and gilt details. This includes polishing and repairs between tournaments, ensuring the cup's readiness for events like the hosted in England. For the , Thomas Lyte designed and manufactured a new unveiled in 2025, crafted from hallmarked with 24-carat gold plating, while also undertaking restorations of the previous iteration from 1991 to 2025. In golf, Thomas Lyte acts as the official restorers of the , the biennial team competition trophy originally produced in the 1920s from and gold-plated elements; the company has performed full restorations and polishing for events starting in 2016, safeguarding its historical and intricate engravings. Turning to , Thomas Lyte has been the designer and maker of the Nitto trophies since 2009, including both the singles and doubles awards, which feature eight-sided bases symbolizing the eight qualifying players or pairs, along with the ATP Year-End World No. 1 trophies for top singles and doubles performers. In 2022, the firm was commissioned to create the trophy for the international team event, a 50cm tall piece with 24-carat and 36 spiraling rods evoking a ball's path, first unveiled in Perth, , ahead of the 2023 competition. In esports, Thomas Lyte has crafted awards for major tournaments, including the original Summoner's Cup for the in 2012 and the Esports World Cup Club Championship trophy in 2024, both emphasizing construction and symbolic designs that bridge digital competition with traditional silversmithing heritage. They also served as the official silverware partner for the 2025 Global Championship, designing and crafting the bespoke trophy and medals for the event held on September 6-7, 2025.

Ceremonial Pieces

Thomas Lyte has crafted several high-profile ceremonial pieces for royal, military, and charitable purposes, leveraging their expertise in and goldsmithing to create symbols of national significance. These commissions often incorporate traditional techniques with symbolic designs, emphasizing themes of service, resilience, and heritage. The firm's Royal Warrant has facilitated access to such prestigious projects, enabling collaborations with institutions like the Royal Warrant Holders Association. One of the most notable is the Queen Processional Cross, commissioned in 2022 as a from Warrant Holders Association to commemorate the Queen's 70 years of service. Handcrafted from 2.8 kilograms of —starting from four kilograms of —and featuring a 24-carat gold-plated finish on an oak staff sourced from the Sandringham Estate, the cross stands 2.2 meters tall and required 340 hours of craftsmanship using methods like spinning, forging, chasing, and . Its design draws inspiration from the Queen's 1953 bouquet, incorporating hand-chased silver flowers representing the (orchids for , lilies for , stephanotis for , and carnations for ), along with a central 'IHS' and 70 diamond lozenges symbolizing each year of her reign. The piece debuted at the Service of Thanksgiving at on June 3, 2022, and is used in services, state occasions such as remembrance, and royal visits, while supporting the Organ Scholarship Fund through related fundraising. In the realm of charitable initiatives, Thomas Lyte designed and donated the Baton of Hope in 2023, a silver artifact central to the UK's largest awareness and prevention campaign. Measuring 735 mm in height and weighing 3.24 kg, the baton is hallmarked in with 24-carat , featuring a fluted column for strength, lattice-work for community, intertwined silver and gold spirals rising from a base to evoke emergence from despair, and a semi-colon as a symbol of life's continuation rather than an end. Crafted over 100 hours by master silversmiths using , filing, , , , , and , it serves as a portable passed between participants in nationwide tours to foster conversations on and reduce stigma around , which has affected over 6,000 lives annually in the UK for more than 15 years. The lightweight design ensures ease of handling during events, underscoring its role in promoting resilience and support. For the 2023 coronation of King Charles III, Thomas Lyte collaborated with on the Crown Jewel Coronation Edition, producing limited-edition embellishments that blend ceremonial artistry with British heritage. The commission involved crafting bespoke 9-carat solid gold labels, each engraved in their workshops and adorned with a to evoke royal regalia, bearing a hallmark featuring the King's cypher. Only two such bottles were created: one auctioned to benefit The Drinks Trust charity, raising funds for the , and the other sold directly by Beefeater for £4,000, highlighting the rarity and prestige of the piece as a collector's item tied to the coronation celebrations. Beyond these, Thomas Lyte produces ceremonial items for military and corporate contexts, including medals, swords, helmets, and presentation pieces in and gold for the and royal events. Examples encompass regimental silverware for the , , Air Force, and , as well as restorations like the Queen's Guard helmets, all crafted with sustainable precious metals to serve in formal ceremonies and as enduring heirlooms. These works emphasize precision and traditional silversmithing, reinforcing institutional traditions without competitive elements.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.