First up, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of you who helped to spread the word about the first confessions of a design geek bursary, through twitter, Facebook, emails, word of mouth and your own blogs. Secondly, I’d like to say an even bigger thank you to all those of you who applied. The quality of applications was fantastic, which made judging them really hard, but it does mean we’ve got a shortlist I am really proud of and very excited to announce.
Before I do announce the five shortlisted designers, I’d like to give a few of the runners up a special mention…
The decision was incredibly difficult and there were a few designers, who whilst they didn’t quite make the shortlist, couldn’t go unmentioned. I first saw Joanna Corney‘s work (above left) at New Designers One Year On, and I’m convinced she’s got a bright future ahead of her. I absolutely loved the contrast between concrete and leather in EKDESIGN‘s candle holders (above centre) and we were all quite taken with Richard Brownlie-Marshall‘s geometric designs.
The Shortlist:
It was a really tough decision, but here are the five designers whose products will be displayed on the confessions of a design geek bursary stand at Home London, and who are in with a chance of winning their own stand and mentoring to boot…
Thorody is Vicky Putler and Theo Sykes. They design and print small runs of fabric for interiors, which are made in England and designed and screen printed by hand in their London studio. They both studied fine art and are inspired by South East London, the English Constructivists and 1930s British transport textiles.
Psalt Design is a furniture and product design studio run by Tom McKeown, Richard Bell and David Powell. After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University, they set up shop in Sheffield to take advantage of the rich manufacturing and cultural history of the city. All their products are designed in made in Britain, using sustainable materials where possible.
Stolen Form is a UK based ceramic design company, specialising in redesigning urban artefacts into elegant and functional pieces for the home. Founders Christian and Ali formed a partnership in April and had been trading for just six weeks when they applied for the bursary. They say, “It is important for us to revive and champion the ‘Made in England’ stamp on contemporary ceramic design.”
Born and raised in Robin Hood Bay, a picturesque finishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, Jessica Hogarth studied printed textiles and surface pattern design at Leeds College of Art. After a year working as an in-house designer and almost a year developing ideas and researching the market, she launched Jessica Hogarth Designs in April.
Joss Barton‘s Diamond lights are made from laser cut sheet metal and hand folder in Britain. Joss says, “I employ a cunning combination of materials and processes that lead to innovative and canny outcomes. Designing with both the environment and economy in mind, my products are made in Britain and made to last.”
Voting
So, which of these fabulous new designers should win a stand at Home London, stand-design mentoring with Mini Moderns, PR mentoring with Seen PR and an on-site mentor, HAM?
It’s up to you to decide, but be quick, voting closes at midnight on Thursday 20th December.
