New Designers 2013 announces Part 1 Award winners

On the 26 June 2013, New Designers, which brings together over 3,000 of the UK’s best emerging designers across Part 1 and Part 2, opened its doors to 1,867 visitors, a record number in the in the show’s 28 year history.

On the 26 June 2013, New Designers, which brings together over 3,000 of the UK’s best emerging designers in two instalments, opened its doors to 1,867 visitors, a record number in the show’s 28 year history.

Acclaimed author, journalist and design critic Alice Rawsthorn officially opened Part 1 of the show, which features textiles, fashion, ceramics, glass and metalwork. She presented the coveted New Designers Awards to this year’s most talented design graduates and said:  “For anyone graduating now, this is a daunting time thanks to the economic recession. But the good news for anyone who wants to make their career in design and craft is that there has never been a better time to do so.”

These awards recognise the design world’s rising stars, offering winners and runners-up vital support as they embark on professional careers.

New Designers John Lewis Award for Design Excellence and Innovation

Prize: £1000. John Lewis will also be inviting exceptional graduates to interview for a one year placement with the John Lewis design studio.

Winner: Natalie Ratcliffe

Title of work: Paper Bouquet (collection of wild flower prints)

University / College: Leeds College of Art

Judges’ citation: “Stand out collection, good scale and composition, directional approach to colour. It strikes the balance of making a real statement and having commercial appeal. The stories behind the collection and the interesting approach to techniques all add to the depth of the work.”

Winner’s comment: “Being selected as the prize winner of the John Lewis Award is a great honour as I have always admired the way that the company champions design and quality. New Designers has been a great opportunity to show my work to a wide audience and I hope to take the experience that I have gained here and use it to begin my career within the design industry.”

also winner of

The New Designers Wilkinson Award for Commercial Surface Design

Prize: £500 and a paid placement with Wilkinson’s Trend and Product Development teams.

Judges’ citation: “We very much admired Natalie’s innovative technique and experimental processes, and the way her work is supported by an interesting narrative. Her portfolio revealed various inventive methods which have translated into a current collection with great commercial potential.”

Winner’s comment: “Winning the Wilkinson Award for Commercial Surface Design is an overwhelming achievement. I am very much looking forward to gaining experience with the Wilkinson team in the near future.”

The BCD New Designer of the Year Award – Part 1, winner

Prize: £1,000 cash prize, advice from intellectual property lawyers Briffa including membership to their DesignProtect insurance service, accounting and taxation advice from Rhodes & Rhodes and a marketing and PR workshop.

Winner: Kate Turton

University / College: De Montfort University

Title of work: Anonymous (range of fabrics)

Judges’ citation: “Kate was a clear winner. Her use of colour, shape, mark and negative space is sophisticated and well considered. Her breadth of experimentation on a wide range of fabrics show she has a vision for its uses.”

Winner’s comment: “Winning this award is a total surprise. Through winning I have been given an incredible opportunity to begin a career in the industry I am passionate about. I have now been given the confidence that I am good enough to achieve it.”

New Designers BCFA Scottish Leather Group Award

Prize: £1000 and a visit to BCFA Scottish Leather Group in Scotland.

Winner:  Judy Scott

Title of work: Cocooned in Colour (printed textiles)

University / College: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

Judges’ citation: “A natural pattern maker and truly professional. Her spontaneous design skill is very distinctive. Her work is creative and highly commercial.”

Winner’s comment: “I am extremely honoured and happy to have been chosen for this award, thank you.”

The New Designers Sanderson Award

Prize: £1000 and a paid placement at the Sanderson studio.

Winner: Tara Osborough

Title of work: Irish Landscapes “In Search of British Wool” (hand-painted woven wool warps)

University / College: University for the Creative Arts, Farnham

Judges’ citation: “The judging team unanimously chose Tara’s work for its beautifully considered use of colour to create saturated and painterly cloths that display maturity of design and craftsmanship.”

Winner’s comment: “I feel so honoured to have won the New Designers Sanderson Award. Over my past three years of studying at UCA Farnham I have found a passion for colour and I will use the prize money to further my research into colours in textiles whilst I study my Masters. I look forward to starting my placement.”

The New Designers Tigerprint Award

Prize: £500 and a paid placement across the two design studios.

Winner: Katie Whitton

Title of work: Abstract Colour (prints)

University / College: Norwich University of the Arts

Judges’ citation: “A contrast of scale and detail, Katie’s work expresses a true gift and shows confidence on combining marks, gestures and colour. She will be a great addition to our studios”

Winner’s comment: “I am really pleased to have won this award, there is so much brilliant work here. Tigerprint is a company I have admired for a while so I can’t wait for my time in the studios.”