Images: Mark Cocksedge
The New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Awards were announced at the Business Design Centre, Islington on 27 June. The Goldsmiths’ Company is a leading sponsor of New Designers, the UK’s principal showcase of creative and innovative work from design graduates.
Students exhibiting jewellery and silver in the Jewellery and Contemporary Design and Crafts zone (Part 1: 27 June – 30 June 2017) were automatically considered for the awards. The Goldsmiths’ Company Judges selected the following winners:
Silversmithing – Rachel Hardie of Glasgow School of Art.
Rachel Hardie won for her unique and colourful Chimney Pot Series, a range of mixed metal vessels characterised by their distinctive shapes and finishes.
The judges appreciated the explanatory nature of this series, specifically the construction of Hardie’s forms which include a pleasing ‘sketch-like’ quality and unique approach to creating the vessels.
Jewellery – Egle Bantyne of Ulster University.
Egle Bantyne won for her accomplished ‘Curious Constructions’ collection of silver hinged
and curvilinear jewellery. The judges commented: “This collection shows a multidimensional playfulness. Executed with precision and thought, it reflects an evolving body of work.”
A week’s work experience in a professional workshop at the Goldsmiths’ Centre where they will focus on commercialising their own work Bursary of up to £500 towards living expenses, if required.
Special Student Hallmarking Package including 10-year registration at the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, laser software set-up for laser hallmarking, a complimentary behind the scenes tour of the Assay Office and free access to the Goldsmiths’ Company Library.
Michael Prideaux, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, commented:
“The Goldsmiths Company is thrilled to once again partner with New Designers to recognise the best work from graduate designers. We are proud to back the next generation of designers working in metal as part of our overall support for the trade at every level. Rachel Hardie and Egle Bantyne are deserving winners and we’re pleased to support them as they develop on their creative journey.”
