Double Delight At International Design Show
Derby students from a range of degree courses have exhibited work at the annual New Designers exhibition at London's Business Design Centre. The show featured the best in new design in textiles, fashion, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, furniture, products and visual designs.
Hannah Rawlings and Jenny Kipling, who have just completed our BA (Hons) Textile Design degree, were at the London show and have both won its New Designers' Worshipful Company of Weavers Associate Prize. It's a prestigious joint award, in a top annual London showcase of international design talent.
The award is given each year to the most outstanding designer of woven fabric exhibiting at the exhibition. Hannah and Jenny have each been awarded £1,000 and two years' membership of New Designers.
John Angus, Principal Lecturer in Textile Studies at the University, said: "Originally there was only one award but the jury at New Designers was so impressed with the fabric collections produced by Hannah and Jenny that they couldn't separate them. Exceptionally, each has been given the full award."
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Jenny's range of intricately woven fabrics are for the outdoors, suitable for uses such as gardening equipment or picnics. She said "It was amazing to receive the award and a complete surprise, as I thought they'd given out all the prizes. I understand it's the first time they've awarded this prize to two designers jointly."
Hannah used feathers and even bird bones as part of her fabric and wallpaper designs. On her win Hannah said: "It was great to get this award. The contact with the Worshipful Company of Weavers is invaluable; as will be the help, and connections and doors they can open for me."
It's the second big accolade for both students this year. Hannah received a First Prize and Jenny a Commendation in the annual Bradford Textile Society Design Competition earlier this year. There is also more good news for the pair who are set to take up work placements with a Welsh fabrics design company.
For more information about the New Designers 2010 exhibition see www.newdesigners.com.
