There is something curiously romantic about James’s Monument Candlesticks. Salvaged spindles are given a new life, anchored between a stoneware candle cup and base. They are robust and decorative, with an antique air and a modern spirit. We are seduced.

In James’s words: “These form part of my ongoing investigations into architectural salvage and the way that fragments of grand architecture can find new lives as humble, domestic objects. I discovered the pine banister spindles in a yard in Glasgow, where their form began to suggest archetypal monuments: a column and an urn. Using a plaster lathe, I turned the head and foot pieces and took a press mould, which allowed me to create these sections in clay. I wanted the contrasting white glaze to emphasise the cut-and-shut nature of the finished objects, which have a curious tension between the aged wood and the clean ceramic. It's unusual for me to work with found objects, rather than create all the elements myself - but there's an exciting patina to the salvaged sections that brings a little romance to the completed candlesticks."

What is your favourite aspect of Scottish winter?

“Growing up in the English Westcountry, I struggle with the darkness of the deep Winter months far more than the cold and wet. So my favourite aspect of Scottish Winter is the thrill of approaching Spring, when the rapidly lengthening days leave me breathless with anticipation.”

Urn : Height 23.4cm, diameter 11.1cm.

Column : Height 41.1cm, diameter 11.1cm.