Colin McKenzie is among the most important early 18th century Edinburgh (and Scottish) makers. He completed his apprenticeship under James Penman and would have trained and worked with Thomas Ker, Henry Bethune and Edward Penman, all fine quality makers. During McKenzie’s working career he took on 10 apprentices including two of his sons.

The two earliest monteiths in Scotland were made by Mckenzie, one in a private collection, the other in the City of Edinburgh Museum, both dated 1698. The only surviving Scottish toilet service, hallmarked in 1703 was by his hand.