coadgbursary :: the 2015 shortlist

We have a shortlist! A massive thank you to everyone who applied – we had more applications than ever before and the standard was really impressive! The hard work that had gone into each an every application was evident, so thank you for all the time you all put in. It was a real pleasure reviewing them all, but when it came to decision time – it was really hard! Despite  incredibly high quality across the board, in the end the panel felt that there were four applications that really shone out, so this year we’ve created a shortlist of four new designers. Without further ado and in no particular order, the 2015 confessions of a design geek bursary shortlist is…

Alicja Patanowska

Alicja’s Plantation collection is made using discarded glassware she finds on the streets of London in the early hours of the morning, combined with hand thrown porcelain. “These unique ceramic components are suitable for growing plants and when turned upside down can be used as a mini greenhouse ideal during seed germination,” she said. “This product allows the consumer the opportunity to reinvent the function of an ordinary glass vessel and give it a new context and purpose.” A really unusual product taking upcycling to a whole new level. More info about Alicja >>>

Above & Beyond

Claudia Pape’s new design brand Above & Beyond produces simple graphic homewares. Two plates and a placement combine to make a clock face, a simple black line connects adjoining white pillow cases and a creased stripey sheet becomes a tea-towel and art print. Her work is understated and concept-driven. “There always is a reason behind what I do, that makes the result stand out. Being shortlisted would be an amazing opportunity to launch Above and Beyond at Home London,” said Claudia. More info about Above & Beyond >>>

Mind The Cork

Mind The Cork’s Jenny Espirito Santo hand makes her collection of placemats, coasters and cushions from sustainable Portuguese cork. “I have always had a strong sense that environmental protection should be an integral part of everyday life and I wanted to create beautifully crafted and luxurious homeware that also plays an active role in the protection of the environment, because our homes should be filled with things that are both meaningful and gorgeous,” said Jenny. A sustainable material used in a new way. More info about Mind The Cork >>>

Jacqueline Seifert

Brighton based illustrator and designer Jacqueline Seifert’s collection of wallpaper was inspired by her time in Kerala India. She said, “As a collector of visual details, I am inspired by the shapes, scenes, colours and imagery taken from my everyday experiences, through landscapes both familiar and exotic.” A bold collection of colourful wallpaper. More info about Jacqueline >>>

Congratulations to all the shortlisted designers! Now it’s over to you to decide who wins. The winner will receive a bursary that includes a complimentary stand at Home London, their products stocked at the Southbank Centre Shop, the chance to take part in a one week pop-up shop at West Elm, a studio shoot with Yeshen Venema, a film shoot with R&A Collaborations, monthly mentoring for one year with established artist and designer and founder of HAM, Jo Ham, one hour mentoring sessions with: October Communications’ Daniel Nelson, Decorum’s Justyna Sowa, Mini Moderns’ Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, The Design Trust’s Patricia van den Akker, Seen PR’s David Gorrod, The Southbank Centre’s Adam Thow, and West Elm’s Vanessa Holden, one year’s free membership of The Design Trust Business Club, six months’ free membership of Press Loft, the chance to take part in a pre-show mentoring workshop, business cards and postcards from Goodprint, last year’s winner, Fanny Shorter, as a “buddy” and coverage on Home London, confessions of a design geek and Front + Main, the West Elm blog.

So what are you waiting for? Vote for your favourite new designer now! Voting is open until 23.59 on Tuesday 02 December and the winner will be formally announced on Thursday 04 December. Spread the word on social media using #coadgbursary.

Massive thanks to the confessions of a design geek judging panel, mentors and partners: Ian and Julia at Home London, Adam at the Southbank Centre Shop, Jess at West Elm, Yeshen Venema, R&A Collaborations, Blair at Press Loft, David at Seen PR, Keith and Mark at Mini Moderns, Jo at HAM, Justyna at Decorum, Daniel at October Communications, Patricia at The Design Trust, Ferren at Good Print, Fanny Shorter, Jessica Hogarth, Nancy Straughan, Annabel Perrin and Taz Pollard.