By Duncan Mackay

Glasgow 2014 logoMay 28 - Glasgow-based product design company 4c Design Limited has today been revealed as designers of the Queen's Baton that is due visit all 71 countries and territories ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games. 


The company, founded in 2002, has been tasked with designing a baton that must weigh no more than two kilograms but robust enough to withstand its 10-month 190,000 kilometres journey, which is due to start in London on October 9 before arriving at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow on July 23 next year.

The Queen's Baton project will be led by William Mitchell, the 4c design director, who has more than 15 years of experience since graduating from Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) in product design.

He will lead a team of specialist designers including managing director of 4c Design Limited, Robin Smith, a graduate in product design engineering from the Glasgow School of Art.

"The team at 4c Design have a passion for product design and engineering excellence, and as such we truly believe there is no better home for what is potentially the most exciting design brief of the decade," said Mitchell.

"Teamwork has been crucial to the development of the baton and it's been a master class in creative collaboration with the professional and receptive team at Glasgow 2014.

"Very few agencies can include Her Majesty in their client list and we intend to do her, and this innovative and exciting city proud."

The baton is due to be officially unveiled later this summer. 

4c Design Limited Glasgow 20144c Design Limited will reveal the Queen's Baton later this summer

"The Queen's Baton Relay is one of the greatest traditions of the Commonwealth Games," said David Grevemberg, the chief executive of Glasgow 2014.

"The baton itself is a powerful symbol of the unity and diversity of the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, which is home to one third of the world's population.

"Glasgow 2014's Queen's Baton Relay is Scotland's heartfelt invitation to the athletes, people and communities of the Commonwealth to come together and celebrate sport, culture and unity through the power of the Games.

"The Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton will be unique and inspiring and we want it capture the imagination of the public in Glasgow, Scotland, the Home Nations and beyond."

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