Gemma Kennally, BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design student has taken one of the top awards at this year’s New Designers show in London; the exhibition for emerging design.
Gemma was competing for just one of twelve awards on offer, amongst 3,000 of the most promising design graduates from Britain’s leading design courses. She showcased her work to an audience of over 18,000 visitors, at the exhibition which ran from 24 – 27th June (ND part 1).
Gemma who has just completed her BA (Hons) degree in Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design won the New Designers Wilko and W’Innovate Award for Innovation, plus a cash prize of £1,000 and a two week placement with W’Innovate (Wilko’s design development company which provides product & surface pattern and print design services). It was announced at the opening ceremony on 24th June which was officially opened by writer, broadcaster and director of the Design Museum, Deyan Sudjic.
On winning the award Gemma said: “I’m amazed and shocked. It’s so nice to be recognised and have your hard work appreciated. It’s a great opportunity to get my name out there and get some industry experience.”
Her winning collection, entitled Garden Blooms was a collection of small ranges; ditsy florals, floral splash, garden blooms and secret garden applied to greetings, giftware and stationery using mixed processes. Here is her full Arts Thread portfolio
The judges said: ‘we chose Gemma for the breadth of portfolio and diversity of products could be applied to. She demonstrates a fresh and commercial approach to her work’.
BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design Programme Leader Duncan Harrison commented on the success:
“We bring our students to New Designers each year so they can build industry connections and showcase their work. Historically our students do very well and receive a great response to their work. This is the third year one of our students has won the Wilko and W’Innovate Award for Innovation and the tenth ND award in the last five years. We are very proud of our ongoing and outstanding achievements.”
Thirty of the final year Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design students were selected to display their work at the New Designers exhibition, representing Leeds College of Art at the Business Design Centre 24-27th June 2015.
Here’s a selection of images from the show!
