Pictish Eagle Archive Plaque
A contemporary Sanctum Hex Archive Plaque based on the early medieval Pictish Eagle motif. The original meaning of the historical symbol remains unknown.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
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Research, symbolism and making.
Sanctum Hex is an independent Scottish maker and design studio behind the Sanctum Hex Symbol Vault — a research-led digital archive connecting historical symbolism, documented context and contemporary maker-ready artwork.
Latest release
September 2026
Scottish maker builds research-led digital archive of more than 500 historical symbols
An independent Scottish maker and design studio has passed a major milestone in building a research-led digital archive that connects historical symbolism with contemporary creative practice.
Read press releaseVault at a glance
A growing archive, counted conservatively.
500+
Researched symbols
1,600+
Artwork variations
5,000+
Downloadable files
SVG · PNG · PDF
The Vault spans historical periods, cultures and symbolic traditions, combining contextual research and source material with artwork designed for contemporary creative use.
About the Vault
The Sanctum Hex Symbol Vault is a research-led digital library of historical and symbolic imagery.\n\nEach entry aims to distinguish documented historical evidence from later interpretation. Where historical meaning is supported, that evidence is presented. Where interpretations are modern, they are identified as such. And where the original meaning of a symbol remains unknown, the Vault says so.\n\nAlongside the research, symbols are reconstructed as contemporary digital artwork suitable for designers, laser cutters and other makers.
From archive to object
Research made tangible.
Vault artwork is made to move beyond the screen. Research and source material inform contemporary digital artwork, which can then become a physical object in the hands of a maker.
Mjölnir Archive Plaque
A contemporary Archive Plaque based on the historical hammer associated with the Norse god Thor.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
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Inside the Sanctum Hex workshop
Research, digital reconstruction and physical making in the Sanctum Hex workshop.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
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The World Tree Wall Clock
A handcrafted layered wooden clock inspired by Yggdrasil, the world tree of medieval Norse cosmology, combining Vault artwork with contemporary laser-cut fabrication.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
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From Digital Archive to Physical Object
The Pictish Eagle moves from researched Vault entry and reconstructed digital artwork to a finished Sanctum Hex Archive Plaque, preserving the distinction between documented history and unknown original meaning.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
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Candle Skull Archive Plaque
A contemporary Sanctum Hex composition combining skull and candle imagery documented in European memento mori and vanitas traditions.
Credit: Sanctum Hex
View / download high resolutionAbout Sanctum Hex
Sanctum Hex
Sanctum Hex is an independent Scottish maker and design brand exploring symbolism, historical visual culture and contemporary fabrication. Its work spans digital artwork and physical objects, with an emphasis on understanding the history and meaning behind a design before translating it into something new.
About the founder
Al — Founder, Sanctum Hex
Al is the founder and maker behind Sanctum Hex, an independent Scottish design brand, and the creator of the Sanctum Hex Symbol Vault. His work connects research into historical visual culture with contemporary digital artwork and physical making.
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Media usage
Images made available in the Sanctum Hex Press & Media area may be reproduced for editorial coverage of Sanctum Hex and the Sanctum Hex Symbol Vault, provided the supplied image credit is retained. Commercial or unrelated reuse requires permission.