Jade Shemwell
- Functional art refers to objects that combine aesthetics with practical purpose, designed to be used in everyday life whilst also being visually appealing
- High-quality craftsmanship is driving the collectability of scissors, as people look for objects that can be passed down through generations
- Personalisation helps to create family heirlooms, tying objects to specific dates, times, people and places
Functional art – a term that refers to objects that serve a dual purpose of practicality and form -is on the rise, as people look to integrate art into their daily lives and enhance their homes. Everyday tools like scissors are now becoming luxury collectables, due to their craftsmanship and artistry, making them prized personal possessions.
Why are scissors a collectable item?
Scissors carry collectability when they’re made with high levels of craftsmanship, becoming prized possessions thanks to their unique designs and historical significance.
While mass manufactured scissors are made with a focus on quantity over quality, shears like the ones we make here at Whiteley are built with durability in mind, ready to stay in collections for decades.
When collectors are searching for items with historical significance, they turn to something that can tell a story. Our scissors are made using traditional age-old techniques, reflecting a production process that’s been taking place in our Sheffield home for nearly three centuries.
The shears we make are individual pieces of history – made to be used, appreciated and eventually passed down as timeless examples of British manufacturing excellence.
One of our pairs of shears even made it on TV recently, featuring in an episode of American Pickers at a 100-year-old antique shop. Dating all the way back to 1850, these scissors were an early, oversized predecessor to our 12” ‘Big Bolt’ Tailors Shears, which we still manufacture today!
Why should I personalise a pair of scissors?
Going beyond building a collection, personalisation can help make a pair of scissors feel like your own. Tying an object to a place, date, or person gives it a story, carrying additional layers of sentimentality and helping to cement a lasting memory.
At Whiteley, we offer bespoke laser engraving services to personalise your scissors and shears with text or a logo, perfect for customised personal or corporate gifting. Utilising state-of-the-art laser technology, we engrave your custom message or emblem onto our products, ensuring a lasting and high-quality finish.
You can go the extra mile to celebrate any occasion – from weddings to birthdays – and memorable impact with a one-of-a-kind gift. Looking for a pair of scissors that could become a family heirloom?
View our luxury range here.
Functional art refers to objects that are both practical and decorative, allowing people to express themselves artistically in their homes while maintaining the functionality of everyday items and furniture.
Examples of functional art include ceramics like mugs and bowls, furniture such as tables and chairs and household objects, like kitchenware and the scissors we make here at Whiteley.
As the lines between art and product design blur, functional art represents how functionality and aesthetic value can co-exist. Smart designs like the Anglepoise lamp, the Alessi kettle, and the Thonet chair all feature in London’s Design Museum, as well as being an essential part of households across the country.
Objects like scissors and other household items are now becoming collectable, driven by a desire for uniqueness and a move away from mass-manufactured products.
Image credit – Maria Lintott Art (@marialintott_art on Instagram)