Abigail Borg who is 22 and from Redditch near Birmingham is currently studying on BA (Hons) Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds College of Art & Design and has this year has been awarded The Business Design Centre (BDC) New Designer of the Year. Abigail, who gained a 1st class honours degree. She delighted the judging panel with her ‘Exquisite drawing skills and sensitivity to colour. The collection is an accomplished and consistent body of work which is both professional and has strong commercial potential.’
Janet Martin, Head of Monsoon Home; Suzanne Imre, Editor of Living etc; Rosie Greenlees, Executive Director of the Crafts Council and Damian Barr, Journalist and Writer had reviewed the work of nearly 2000 graduates from 200 UK design courses who launched their professional creative talents at the New Designers Event in Islington. The judges looked for work that was innovative, inspirational, engaging and forward thinking – reflecting the core values of the BDC.
Still taking in the news of the award, Abigail Borg commented, ‘It gives me a fantastic opportunity to launch my designs into the commercial world, equipping me with both financial and business advice and support which is so crucial at the start of my career. All my hard work has been recognised by the industry; I am very excited.’
Julie Bland, who is Abi’s course leader said, ‘the textiles tribe here at Leeds College of Art & Design are all over the moon with Abi’s well deserved success’
The £2,000 prize and £2,500 for help towards set up costs and PR, was presented by Dominic Jones, the Chief Executive of the Business Design Centre as the culmination of the New Designers awards, which are highly prestigious and give the winning graduate the highest adulation at the event.
