New Designers 2023 - Director's Picks
Next week, New Designers will open its doors for our 38th year of celebrating the very best talent and innovation from across the UK. Event Director Sally Bent has put together her highlights to give you a glimpse of the outstanding work and programming that will be on display.
‘With New Designers now just a few days away myself and the team are brimming with excitement to finally see all the fantastic projects in the flesh. Alongside this we can’t wait to see all of the content we have been working so hard to create come to life.
Here are a few of things I am looking forward to seeing at the event. I hope you will be able to join us to discover your own highlights.’
ND UNIVERSITIES
Louisa Katherine Thomson Stories From a Herring Lass – Edinburgh College of Art
‘Inspired by her family history and the stories of “Herring Lasses”, these beautiful forms evoke a real sense of history.’
Isobel Hamilton, Embroidery Design for Interiors – Arts University Bournemouth
‘Isobel specialises in digital, Irish and hand embroidery with embellishments. These vibrant colours and variety of textures are a real feast for the eyes.’
Tyrone Vera, Play + Work = Plork – Arts University Plymouth
‘These playful forms, inspired by architecture, invite the audience to interact by stacking and connecting using a variety of methods. His work is as much about the tactile nature of the work as it is of the sensory experience when engaged within the act of play.’
Akilah Chambers, Frolic Fully Folded – Arts University Bournemouth
‘The use of texture, wobbly lines and colour in this piece are full of joy and offer something different to what you usually expect to find.’
ND SELECTS
‘Curated by Louisa Pacifico, Founder of Future Icons, the work in ND Selects this year really is exceptional.’
Lamunlamai. Craftstudio – Love is Love Collection
‘These ceramic works communicate the story of the living space as a “sense of home”. Their craftmanship and vibrant colours draw the eye in.’
Maia Flaia – Blue Mutated Couple
‘Maia describes these works as an alien virus taking over the ceramic ‘host’ showing that nature is beautiful and also ruthless.’
ND AWARDS
‘The ND Awards programme is highly respected and prestigious within the industry. We are delighted that this year’s programme includes a record breaking 70 awards across the two weeks.
Each week is kicked off with our Awards Preview Evening, in Week 1 the event will be opened by Margo Selby and Week 2 Sebastian Conran. We can’t wait to hear the words of encouragement they have for the grads.
Do join us to be the first to see this year’s winners, network with industry friends and enjoy a complimentary beer from Adnams.’
See the full ND23 Awards Programme below.
ND EDUCATES
‘The ND Educates programme is absolutely brimming this year. Personally I am looking forward having the chance to do something creative and try my hand at the wax carving workshop from Vanetta School of Jewellery as well as the Beker Studio Print Workshop.
View the full programme to see which talks and workshops interest you.’
See the full ND Educates programme below.
We look forward to seeing you at New Designers 2023!