Two Leeds College of Art BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design students have taken the top awards at this year’s New Designers show in London.
Charlotte Beevor has won the much coveted New Designer of the Year Award with her piece ‘Expressionist Colour’. The judges commented, "Charlotte demonstrates raw talent – her prolific portfolio is full of exuberant joy, brimming with painterly motifs and unusual colour combinations. The panel feels that Charlotte’s work has fantastic commercial viability and versatility."
On winning the award Charlotte said “I feel extremely grateful and overwhelmed. I’m excited that someone has noticed my work and that all my hard work has paid off.New Designers is the ideal platform to start your career coming out of university, it gives you exposure and people get to see your work.”
Charlotte will receive a £1,500 cash prize plus £3,500 worth of specialist legal, accounting and marketing advice.
There was also success for Gemma Curtis who won the Wilko Award for Innovation with her ‘Surface Pattern Design’ project. The judges remarked, “Gemma’s work shows originality and a confident use of colour. Her portfolio demonstrates both a high level technical ability and creativity.”
Gemma who has won a £1000 cash prize plus a two week placement with W’innovate stated “I’m shocked and excited to win this award. I’d like to thank my tutors for helping me to develop as a designer and I’m eager to see what the future can bring for my career.”
New Designers is the exhibition for emerging design, with over 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses showcasing their work to an audience of over 18,000 visitors.
BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Patter Design programme leader Duncan Harrison commented on the success:
"We bring our students to New Designers each year so they can start building industry connections and showcase their work. Historically our students do very well, winning a number of awards each year and always receive a great response to their work, but this is a standout achievement – winning the overall New Designer of the Year award alongside the Innovation award, we are very proud.”
For more information on BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design please visit the programme page.