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NEW DESIGNERS 2010 – 25 years and the creative excellence continues to flourish – PART 1 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

NEW DESIGNERS 2010 – 25 years and the creative excellence continues to flourish
 – PART 1 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

‘Showcasing the very best in graduate design’, today’s awards at New Designers Part 1 affirm the originality, excellence and ingenuity of the class of 2010 as the show marks its 25th anniversary.  New Designers Part 1 continues until Sunday 4th July at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London, N1. www.newdesigners.com

From architecture to animation, furniture to fashion, graphics to glass:

The halls at the BDC are filled to capacity with textiles, applied arts, fashion accessories, ceramics, glass and diverse crafts – all of the highest quality. The show is a ‘must-go, must-see’ event for anyone interested in contemporary design and forthcoming trends.

Designer Sophie Conran presented 11 prestigious awards, sponsored by leading companies and organisations which recognise the value of design education and its contribution to the UK’s thriving and commercially valuable creative industries.

The prestigious accolade – THE BDC NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR title was awarded to Lucy Foakes (University College Falmouth) for ceramics.

Maker details Kate Boccaccnii-Meadows, who studied 3D design at bath Spa University won THE BDC NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR – RUNNER UP.

Sophie Conran, herself a successful designer and trend setter congratulated the 1700 graduates exhibiting at this week’s show on the excellence and quality of the work on display.  In her speech, she said, “I was very humbled by the immense talent of the young graduates at New Designers 2010. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Summing up Part 1 of New Designers, the show’s director Isobel Dennis was thrilled with the dynamic atmosphere in the halls and outstanding quality of the exhibits. “Every year I look forward to seeing all the work on display.
It is still as fresh and vibrant and exciting as ever – an incredible achievement for a show that celebrates 25 years this year, but not really surprising when you realise that for the exhibitors this is their first and biggest chance to capture attention, and they are determined to make it count.  New Designers is unrivalled for its breadth of scale, number of exhibitors, quality of work and remarkable range of design disciplines under one roof.”

The winners of the New Designers sponsored awards were as follows:

THE BDC NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNER: LUCY FOAKES, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FALMOUTH, BA (HONS) CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS

The judging panel which included Julia Woodmansterne, creative director of Woodmansterne Cards; Vaness Swann, CEO Cockpit Arts; ceramics artist Barnaby Barford and textile designer Victoria Richards; as well as Jo Hayes-Ward (who won the BDC New Designer of the Year award in 2006) awarded the top prize to Lucy for her ‘witty combination of ancient symbolism and iconic imagery brought together to create a collection of exciting, contemporary pieces inspired by Egyptian canopic jars.’

Later this year Lucy plans to set up a studio – entitled Artinthebarn - in Budleigh Salterton in Devon and is spending some of her prize monies on a kiln. ‘I am so pleased I came to New Designers,’ said Lucy.’I had no idea what an amazing opportunity this would be and would recommend it to anyone wanting to progress in Designer art. And it’s a huge success for my course, which is fairly unknown and this award should raise its profile – the tutors are fantastic.’

THE BDC NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD – RUNNER UP
RUNNER UP: KATE BOCCACCINI-MEADOWS, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) 3D DESIGN CERAMICS

The judges enjoyed the ‘quiet, dignified exploration of material and processes, using a range of media, culminating in a beautiful and well observed body of work.’

Kate will be taking up a short residency in Denmark later this year, preceded by an exhibition in Bristol at Centre Space in August.  ‘Its lovely to know that people appreciate my work, and I feel that this award validates the hard work. I was worried that it wouldn’t find a place, so I’m pretty overwhelmed by the response.’

THE NEW DESIGNERS BCFA/IDA AWARD
WINNER: LOIS NORMAN, BUCKS NEW UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) TEXTILES & SURFACE DESIGN

The judges liked the ‘perfect marriage of original artwork with innovation, resulting in several unique and stunningly beautiful pieces.’

Winning this award has propelled Lois “into the design world and is affirmation from my peers that I am on the right track.” As Lois says, “as long as I’m designing, drawing and painting, I’ll be happy – it’s what makes me tick.”

NB She has attended New Designers for the past 4 years running, and it is how she chose which university to apply to, when she saw Bucks New Universities stand which, “blew me away with the amazing quality of their work”.

THE NEW DESIGNERS GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY – JEWELLERY AWARD
WINNER: ELIZABETH HUMBLE, DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE, BDES HONS JEWELLERY & METAL DESIGN

The judges were impressed by her ‘unique and refined technique demonstrating sensitivity to materials, technical awareness and tremendous potential.’

As a result of the award she is even more determined to succeed and will be using the prize (£1000 and £500 worth of precious metals) to purchase tools and materials. Meanwhile she intends to use the award to open doors to network with the different industries in London.

THE NEW DESIGNERS GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY – SILVERSMITHING AWARD
WINNER: MICHELLE CLARE, SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) METALWORK & JEWELLERY DESIGN

The judges considered her work a well thought out piece, demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship and design.

Michelle has won a number of awards recently, including The Company of Cutlers Travel Award 2009; Goldsmiths’ Company Precious Metal Bursary and the Goldsmiths’ Company College Silver Award 2010.

On winning the New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Award Michelle said ‘all the effort has been worthwhile and I now intend to apply for a Starters Studio Scheme in Sheffield to set up on my own. I really want to go for it and establish my name as a designer-maker.’

THE NEW DESIGNERS GRAHAM & BROWN AWARD
WINNER: CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS, DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY, LEICESTER, BA (HONS) TEXTILE DESIGN – PRINTED TEXTILES

‘We love Charlotte’s Wonderland theme,’ said the judges. ‘Her digital prints have a wonderful, hand-drawn, screen-printed feel. We like the pattern-filled areas, mini-prints and geometric co-ordinates to the main poppy design. Combined with a fresh colour palette and great stand presentation.

Of her success, Charlotte said, ‘this has made me more ambitious and more confident knowing my work has been recognised. It is an incredible opportunity to work with Graham & Brown in-house with their other designers.  This is the perfect ending to 3 years hard work and makes it all worthwhile.’

THE NEW DESIGNERS HARLEQUIN AWARD
WINNER: ANNA JENSEN, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) TEXTILE DESIGN FOR FASHION AND INTERIORS

The judges felt that ‘colour and pattern is very on trend; we feel this collection drives print forward.’

Anna had intended to do a PGCE to be a secondary school teacher specialising in textile design, but will reassess her future plans as a result and enjoy gaining experience with Harlequin. She said ‘its such an achievement, especially when surrounded by such amazing work from all over the country.’

 At Bath Spa University, Anna won the Minerva Award for best degree show exhibition.

THE NEW DESIGNERS ONE YEAR ON AWARD
WINNER: IMOGEN BELFIELD, JEWELLER

Imogen’s work impressed the judges for ‘her clear awareness of her market, and the very individual work using a current and interesting mix of materials. It shows great ambition and takes appropriate steps to achieving it.’

Delighted that respected people in the industry have an appreciation for her work, Imogen said, ‘I intend to push boundaries in body adornment and be experimental in my approach to materials and design. Looking ahead, I would really like to have a catwalk show and create large scale pieces derived from my current collection.’

NB Imogen was nominated as a finalist for the Young Accessory Designer of the Year.

THE NEW DESIGNERS PULSE AWARD
WINNER: NICOLA POPPLEWELL, NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) DECORATIVE ART
PRODUCT: AN ORIGINAL SOFT TOY CONCEPT

The judges liked the ‘fresh approach to soft toys with good use of colour and graphics that will delight children and help development.’

Nicola intends to start a business and will put the prize money to put products into product and develop the range.  ‘The exposure is so valuable in getting my name out there, and I am thrilled that I will have my first solo trade show next year.’

NB Nicola Popplewell went through to the regional finals of the Lloyds TSB student illustration competition.

THE NEW DESIGNERS TIGERPRINT AWARD
WINNER: TOM PHILLIPS, STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, BA (HONS) SURFACE PATTERN

The judges were impressed by ‘the fantastic drawing skills, composition, scale and typography, coupled with enthusiasm with a genuine and sincere humanity.’

After New Designers, Tom is taking a work experience placement with Emma Bridgewater (who sponsored him) as well as the Tigerprint award. He hopes to get into window dressing. The prize money will go towards an Apple Mac for photoshoot and related supplies.  ‘I would like to thank my course tutor, Sarah Peart and am very excited to be working with Tigerprint and thank them for this opportunity.’

THE NEW DESIGNERS BEST STAND AWARD
WINNER: BUCKS NEW UNIVERSITY – BA (HONS) TEXTILES AND SURFACE DESIGN

‘A well curated stand with a very strong body of work. The stand is easy to navigate and it is clear to see different personalities of the work on display,’ commented the judges.

‘Our student work says everything about how we teach, how we challenge our student designers.  Our graduates make longterm contacts in the design arena at the New Designers – and it is an international showcase for our course. This is our students’ award and makes all the hard work worthwhile.’

ENDS

There are images of the award winners and their projects on www.newdesigners.com or call Articulate Communication for high res images

For further information or images please contact:
Karoline Newman or Scarlett Evans at Articulate Communication
info@articulate.co.uk, Telephone: 020 7420 7738
OR
Tamara Nikolic, Marketing Manager, New Designers, Upper Street Events
tamaran@upperstreetevents.co.uk, Telephone 020 7288 6455

EVENT:   New Designers 2010
VENUE:  Business Design Centre,
52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH
WEBSITE: www.newdesigners.com

Part 1 – 1-4 July 2010
Textiles, Fashion & Accessories
Contemporary Applied Arts
Ceramics & Glass
Jewellery & Precious Metalwork
One Year On

Part 2 – 8-11 July 2010
Product Design
Furniture Design
Visual Communications (including Graphic Design and Illustration)
Spatial Design
One Year On