èElla works from a workshop in the small town of Clitheroe, which is located in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. Ella was introduced to pewter in 2006, whilst at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University studying for her first class Honours degree in Designed Metalwork and Jewellery where she won the Pewter Live 2006 student competition run by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, Ella continued to work with pewter whilst at university and took this time to learn more about the metal. Since setting up her workshop in 2009 Ella has shown at many general public exhibitions and design fairs in the North West, her work can also be found in selected galleries throughout the country. Ella not only enjoys promoting her work and designs, but also telling a wider audience about the current revival of Pewter and its benefits as a metal. This can be seen in her enthusiasm as well as her designs and use of the metal.
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Pewter is an age-old metal which is seeped in history and tradition within the metalwork industry, which as a designer and maker fascinates Ella McIntosh. This influence and inspiration can be seen in her work and has led to an exploration of old methods of production. By balancing this inspiration with her enthusiasm for modern, sleek and elegant design it results in creating striking objects which celebrate lead-free pewter as a revitalised metal. Ella is interested in celebrating the unique qualities of pewter, its softness, malleability and low melting temperature. These often form the basis of her designs as she is highlighting the difference between pewter and silver rather than copy 'silver designs' which is traditional role for pewter. Simplicity of form is used to challenge traditional pewter ware which tends to be heavy and over embellished.
Ella's interest in the history of pewter, as well as the modern edge to her designs, blend to create pieces that are striking and effective. Pewter is a metal which mellows over time and develops its own patina which gives each design a new character as it is aging. This is something that doesn't just make pewter a one-off purchase but a life long investment that develops as time goes on. Ella hopes that by adding her own design flair to pewter she will be helping to introduce a new generation to the metal and bring it back into our homes.