Pushing forward the boundaries of ceramic. RSA Ceramic Futures winners to exhibit at Selfridges.
21st September 2005
Winners of the 2005 RSA Ceramic Futures Design Direction Awards will show at SCP Selfridges London (fourth floor) as part of the London Design Festival (15-30 Sept 2005).
The competition, run by The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) in association with the Ceramic Industry Forum, asked entrants to design an “Object of Beauty”, which could be manufactured in Bone China and to look for new uses for the ceramic material.
The two joint winners, who were each awarded £2500, are Scott Bradford of Northumbria University and Camila Prada of Staffordshire University. Three commended entries included Emma Finch of Bath Spa University, Fiona Alston of Staffordshire University and Charlotte Copping of Central St Martins.
Joint winner Scott Bradford has designed an ingenious heated coat stand, which doubles as a portable room heater. Aimed at style conscious consumers, the Sp>rk coat stand combines function with ornament, taking the form of a tree with stylized shaft and ceramic heated branches for hanging. Its green grass-like base is non-heat conductive, whilst the conductive properties of the ceramic body of the stand form the “top” of the tree. Scott impressed the judges with his understanding of the manipulative qualities of the ceramic material and the product’s overall marketability.
Joining Scott as joint winner is Camila Prada, with her stunning ceramic vessels which can be used in a kitchen as Oil & Vinegar holders, or to hold bath oils and lotions in the bathroom. The judges loved the combination of the beautiful shaping of the white ceramic decanters, which utilized industrial technology.
Camila explains “I like the idea of combining a turn-of-the-century, low-tech device with contemporary shaping and style. I’m interested in making useful, delightful products with longevity…my goal is contemporary not trendy. I would love to take this idea further by collaborating with a food manufacturer to design high quality ceramic containers, used as packaging.”
The three runners-up include Charlotte Copping’s unique heated pet sleeping and feeding vessel, Fiona Alston’s sculptural spoons and serving items and Emma Finch’s lights and wall shades. Other short-listed entries included primary school crockery which encourages the eating of a traditional “meat and two veg” lunch by young children. A mobile phone, garden secateurs, a ceramic stay-sharp razor and digitally printed tiles were also key entrants to this hard fought category.
“The CIF is committed to reinforcing the importance of ceramic design education. By sponsoring the Ceramic Futures Award, we hope to show students that the UK ceramic industry is a vibrant one, that is willing to adopt new designs and ideas in order to succeed. For many designers these awards have opened a whole new avenue of exploration for their work, with the September exhibition providing an international showcase with potential for career opportunities.” Gavin Pryke (CIF Design Advisor).
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