The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide awareness and prevention initiative. Designed and made by Thomas Lyte, the Baton is a unifying symbol of hope, raising the profile of the subject like never before.
Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as Goldsmith and Silversmith to the Late Queen Elizabeth II crafts masterpieces, bespoke gifts, objet d’art, and silverware of unparalleled quality. The Baton of Hope is the UK’s largest suicide awareness and prevention initiative; and Thomas Lyte is proud to have designed, made and donated such an important symbol for hope in the UK. Read on to discover more about the Baton of Hope.
Crafted in 2023 by Thomas Lyte, the Baton of Hope stands at an impressive 735mm in height. The expert craftsmanship has ensured the Baton is lightweight, weighing just 3.24kg, allowing for easy transfer between both hands and cities. Reflecting the importance and stature of the Baton of Hope’s mission, precious metals were used in it’s creation. Namely, the Baton’s body is adorned with silver and 24-carat gold plate.
The master silversmiths at Thomas Lyte employed a myriad of workshop processes including electroforming, filing, casting, soldering, polishing, plating, and engraving to bring this masterpiece to life. With its gleaming surface and intricate design, the Baton of Hope serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding those who behold it of the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
From the base travelling upwards, there are many features of the Baton made to represent the journey of hope. The fluted column, or handle, that will be passed from person to person symbolises strength and determination, supporting the Baton’s weight. The lattice-work depicting a community of people holding one another aloft. Gold and silver spirals, twisting and turning as they climb, rising from despair. Finally the Baton’s crown; a semi-colon, representing a pause. An increasingly-recognised symbol of suicide prevention and support, showing that the sentence is not ended but only briefly paused, intended to continue on.
Thomas Lyte’s CEO, Kevin Baker was approached by Mike McCarthy, one of the charity’s leaders, who outlined the Baton of Hope’s mission. They explained the charity’s need for a symbol, a physical baton that can represent the movement’s core values and the community’s responsibility to support those who are struggling with their mental health and considering taking their own life.
Kevin met with Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip to express Thomas Lyte’s wholehearted support from all employees across our silversmithing and goldsmithing company. The decision was made; Thomas Lyte will design, handcraft and donate a baton to support the Baton Of Hope’s mission.
The Baton of Hope has embarked on a continuous journey, passing through the hands of multiple men and women across various sectors across Britain. Sportspeople, members of the public and MPs amongst others have carried the Baton. It has also been held and passed through bereaved families and friends of those lost to suicide.
From hand to hand, from Glasgow to London, the hashtag #PassItOn was created in order to follow the journey of the Baton. The vision is to pass the Baton through every walk of life, to young and old, ensuring that the conversation surrounding suicide loses it’s stigma.
The UK has never seen a suicide awareness and prevention initiative like this. #BatonOfHopeUK will supercharge suicide prevention across Britain. The approach is total inclusivity, with opportunities for all peoples and organisations to get involved.
Thomas Lyte staff volunteered to help run an event at the Tate Modern in London. The event was a vital gathering point for numerous mental health and suicide prevention charities, providing a platform for discussion and showcasing their united support for this crucial cause.
If you’d like to get involved, you can register your interest via the Baton of Hope website:
batonofhopeuk.org/register-interest/
Our team make the conceivable possible, while preserving traditional skills, pioneering modern methods, and promoting authentic British craft across the globe. Combining the latest technologies with centuries of knowledge, Thomas Lyte’s silver workshops in London, England house world-class facilities for an elite team of designers and makers, masters of their craft. Learn about 3D printing, electroforming and other new technologies that our team have introduced to our sustainable handcrafting process.
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Materials. Sterling Silver + 24 Carat Gold Plate
Workshop Processes. Electroforming, Filing, Casting, Soldering, Polishing, Plating, and Engraving
Thomas Lyte are honoured to be the designers and makers of the Baton of Hope, donating the iconic silverware to the UK’s biggest suicide awareness and prevention initiative.
Take a glance at these fast facts about one of the UK’s most important symbols for suicide prevention and awareness.
