New Designers 2010

Last Friday I went to New Designers in London. I had never been before and it was amazing to see so much young talent in one place. One thing that struck me was that Surface Design was very popular. As a weaver I was looking out for the weaving on show and was not disappointed. I did not have a lot of time to look around and it was very very hot there, so I might have missed part of it but what I saw was good. I saw most weaving at the stands of Farnham University for the Creative Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and Loughborough University. Bradford HNC Fashion and Textiles Design students were also able to participate for the first time here, not setting a precedent for next year as there is not going to be a next year!! This very popular 2 year part time course has stopped mainly due to financing. It was nice to meet up with some of the students. At the Bradford BA stand I saw a familiar face. Graham was the technician in the weaving shed at Bradford when I went there for my HNC course, so very surprised to find him there as a BA (hons) Art & Design graduate, specialising in knitting and surface design. What a nice surprise and I really liked what he had made.
There is also a section at the show called "One Year On" and there was this amazing Jewellery Designer Victoria Walker. Do have a look at here work, it is so unusual, I'd love to own a piece. Another non textile designer that I liked was silversmith Niki Byrne. She does not have a website but I found two sites where she is mentioned.
All in all, a few hours well spent.

I was only in London for the weekend, spending 2 out of 3 days travelling with Eurostar. I must say I do prefer this to flying as you do not have all the hassle that flying entails these days.