Associate Prize Winners : Part 1

 The judges considered that ‘Morven’s work encompasses all of the basic principles of design, demonstrating creativity and innovation in the surface pattern, either through the use of texture or design,’ and were particularly impressed with Morven’s exquisite colour work.

Talking about her future plans, Morven said, ‘I want to get my name out there – set up a website, look for freelance work and build on opportunities to expand my collection and develop my skills.  I feel like I’m walking on air – it feels so good to have other people appreciate your efforts.’  She has been accepted for an MA course at Glasgow School of Art.

Morven has previously won an innovation award from the Incorporation of Weavers.

WINNER: JENNY KIPLING AND HANNAH RAWLINGS, UNIVERSITY OF DERBY, BA (HONS) TEXTILE DESIGN

Hannah’s work caught the judges eyes because ‘her versatile use of jacquard shows great variety of scale and texture,’ whilst Jenny’s work was noted for its ‘outstanding use of colour and pattern.’

Hannah had previously won the Bradford Textile Society First Prize for woven and knitted textiles.  Her ambition is to work in high end fashion. Of her award, she said, ‘the contact with the Worshipful Company of Weavers is invaluable, as is the help, connections and doors they can open for me.’

Meanwhile Jenny said, ‘I’m so pleased to have this privileged introduction to a company of people who are passionate about keeping the British weaving industry going.’

The judges remarks said, ‘A very original collection with exceptional use of colour and scale. The fashion designs are very textile orientated. The work showed great experiment with many different printing techniques and stitch work.’

Earlier this summer Nathalie won the Graduate Fashion Week Textiles Award and now hopes to gain experience and further skills in the textile industry before going on to study for an MA.  ‘I’m glad all the hard work has been worthwhile as I haven’t stopped for over a year and feel totally elated,’ she said at the news of the prize.

This is the first time that Moon Jewellery have awarded a prize at New Designers and their representatives commented, ‘we were inspired and energised by Elizaveta’s interpretation of construction from the Baroque era and the ability to execute the ideas of rhythm, movement, scale and geometry into a collection of stunning celestial pieces.’

Elizaveta intends to set up her own business and expressed her gratitude to Moon Jewellery for helping new designers. The feedback for her work has been exceptional and ‘I have been thrilled with the words of encouragement. I feel this award underlines the importance of craftsmanship and the quality of handmade finish, as opposed to computer generated and manufactured work,’ she said. 

The judges were unanimous in selecting this work and felt it was outstanding for its technical and aesthetic brilliance.

Asked about his future plans, Alan said ‘after a nice cold beer (!) I will invest the money in raw materials and it will fund me attending the International Conference at Northlands Creative Glass. Having won this I am excited about pushing myself and experimenting further to see what is possible to achieve in glass, both technically and sculpturally. I think it’s so important that this award is here to get recognition and interest in glass.’

Alan had previously won the John L Paterson Design Award of a post-graduate scholarship with ECA.