Ian Stewart Hargreaves was born in Wales in c1938.

The latter part of his life was spent living in Taigh nan Creaganan, Creaganan Gorm, Upper Carolway, Lewis where he established his silver-smithing workshop. Amongst his work are examples of Celtic inspired broaches, kilt pins and silver-based jewellery. At the time of his death in 2011, plans had been in development to establish a blanket weaving workshop at his home also.

Hargreaves was also a historical researcher with an interest in early Christianity and saints. Together with Rachel Barrowman, he published “Early Christianity in Lewis” (Islands’ Book Trust). A keen traveller, he under took several pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, retaining diaries and poetry inspired by his journeys. A trip to Israel in 2011 saw him and a number of other tourists arrested when trying to visit the West Bank. He also authored a number of novels that have yet to be published.

Ian died of a heart attack at his home in Carloway on 31 August 2011.