Nordic Craft Design

Our HE5 Textiles & Surface Design students have gained tremendous industry engagement during the first semester working on projects with, not one but, two internationally renowned companies.

Inspired by the current exhibition of Nordic Design and Craft at Manchester Art Gallery, students received a guided tour and talk by co-curator Kaylee Jenkinson. The collection of contemporary applied design ranging from furniture, lighting and fashion to exceptionally crafted textiles, fine metal and glassware provided a wealth of primary visual reference.

The elegance of form, pattern and colour informed the initial direction of visual enquiry firstly directed towards a collection of wallcoverings for Surface Print Ltd. Based in Clayton Le Moors, the company boasts a history spanning over 180 years, printing fine quality wallpapers for high-end companies including Liberty.

Students received a tour of the factory by Managing Director James Watson before presenting initial concepts to the design team. Within the following weeks each student produced a collection of four wallpapers again, presented to the design team with one student Philippa Hadley gaining a studio placement during the summer. James Watson commented on the high standard of work by each student, deeming it of industry quality, making it a difficult choice.

Students then gained the opportunity to create a separate collection of concept flooring for international flooring specialist Shaw Contract. Under the guidance of UK Accounts Manager, Martine Speight, the group were briefed on the history and philosophy of the company before designing their collection. On presenting concepts, students Hannah Calvert and Scarlett Greenwood both had designs selected to be developed by the production team with one design to be printed as a carpet sample.

To conclude this invaluable industry engagement, our students also submitted designs towards the international wallpaper and fabric student competition i-dott and keenly await the judges decisions in June.