Homes and Property

Britain’s hot new designers: graduate degree shows

New graduates are putting their creations on show so now is the time to grab a bargain, says Corinne Julius
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The government is keen to stress the creativity of Britain's young designers and the contribution they make to the economy, while big-name manufacturers and high street retailers are eager to exploit their talent.

However, at this time of the year the public also gets to marvel at the work of the UK's newly emerging designers at graduate degree shows - and if you are really savvy, you might commission work from a future design star.

Lighting seems to be a theme this year and some of the most innovative work is from Giles Godwin Brown (Sheffield Hallam University). His wall-mounted task light is in birch, stainless steel and aluminium, and some might say it looks like a traditional anglepoise that has been run over by a steam roller.

Mid-century modern and wood are key features this year, as in, for example, Paul Povey's (Building Crafts College) star-shaped table base in oak with circular glass top. Sofia Linden's take in her comb table and storage unit is for asymmetrical slats of wood.

This motif is taken up by Yvette Cox (Plymouth) in her steam-bent ash light Fluidity. Wooden rods share the honours in Ornella Stocco's (London Metropolitan) Underconstruction, with decorated porcelain elbows (rather like plumbing fitments). The system can be assembled in different ways to make tables or storage.

Rose Warner's silver bowl
Rose Warner's origami-style bowls are crafted from silver
Silversmiths have some interesting takes, too. Rose Warner (Sheffield Hallam) makes silver origami-style bowls and platters while Deborah Werbner (London Metropolitan) creates silver-plated bowls with tiny human figures balanced on the rim. Chris Kishtoo (Brighton) focuses on severely functional pieces. His Chop-Chop chopping board has a perforated side to locate the knife so that vegetables can be easily sliced.

THE SHOW


* New Designers, Part two: July 6-9
Business Design Centre, Islington, N1
Wednesday, 3pm to 9pm; Thursday 10am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm. For information visit newdesigners.com. Tickets £9.50 (booked online) or £14 on the door.

NEW DESIGNERS DISCOUNT


Readers can buy tickets for £8.50 when they book in advance, quoting code ND128. Call 08448 480140.



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