The New Design Britain awards, part of interiors 2010 trade show, are the culmination of months of hard work by the students and the organizers to find the best product designs the UK has to offer. With over 150 entries from over 80 universities, the final 16 have been showcased at interiors since the show began last Sunday.
The judges included Damian Walton from House of Fraser, Barbara Chandler from the "London Evening Standard," and Dids MacDonald from Anti Copying in Design (ACID). “I think it is hugely important for the next generation to feel that the industry and professionals within it are interested. Product is all about design and if you don’t invest in design, you won’t progress the products. It is hugely important to see students thinking forward. It is about practical use and about being clever, but sometimes being incredibly simple,” Walton said.
There were three categories and each was then divided into "Made in Britain" and "Designed in Britain."
The winners included:
Accessories
Made in Britain – Ruler by James Cadogan
Designed in Britain – Contoured Blind by Helena Carelson
Fabrics & Surface Coverings
Made in Britain – Golden Stag wallpaper by Lynsey Henderson
Designed in Britain – 4 countries fabric by Jennifer Jones
Furniture
Made in Britain – Coat stand by Lorna Wilby
Designed in Britain – Multi function dining station by Phil Crook
The judges also thought that Tamar Balakjian was worthy of a special mention. They thought that her table cover was in a class of its own and has the potential to be showcased at gallery shows rather than on the shop floor.
Placements were awarded to some of the winning students at Marks & Spencer, Ercol and Willis & Gambier. Others won the opportunity to exhibit at interiors 2011.
One of the winners, Lorna Wilby, said, “I was so surprised and am really excited. This is such a big opportunity. I don’t graduate until the summer, so this will hopefully help kick-start my future career.”
Please look at www.interiorsbirmingham.com to see pictures of the winners.
