British Ceramic Tile celebrates young designers at Clerkenwell Design Week

The UKs largest manufacturer of ceramic and glass tiles, British Ceramic Tile, enjoyed a successful event during Clerkenwell Design Week, welcoming other likeminded British brands to partake in its celebration of great British design.

The three-day event saw British Ceramic Tile launch its first ever initiative with Central Saint Martins. A new project launched by the company to champion young, creative talent, students from the Ceramic Design course at CSM were invited to design and pitch their own surface patterns to a panel of industry professionals for the chance to win a two week placement with the British Ceramic Tile design team
and a £500 gift voucher.

Judged by British Ceramic Tile’s head of design and product, Claire O’Brien and
Ceramic Design course leader, Anthony Quinn, students were briefed to create a
surface design that typifies Britain on a tile, drawing inspiration from our nation’s
rich heritage, landscape and national treasures. Over a dozen students developed
initial mood boards before the first stage critique took place, whereby the judges
selected five designs to be transferred on to ceramic and held on display at the
showroom.

The winner of the competition was talented young creative, Nishat Tahsin. A third
year student on the Ceramic Design course, Nishat used the work of renowned
textile designer, William Morris as a reference point, drawing inspiration from his
floral motifs and combining them with designs inspired by the industrial revolution.
From railways, rust and smoke, to steel and iron, elements of the era are present
throughout the collection. Nishat will be carrying out her fortnight long placement
with British Ceramic Tile this summer.

Upon winning, Nishat said: “I’m so happy to have won this, it will be great to
understand the ins and outs of working in house with a big company and discover
more about how they work day-to-day.

“It was hard to choose which avenue to go down when this nation has such a great
deal to boast. We have iconic designers, famous landmarks and a beautiful
landscape, but I settled on the idea of the industrial revolution because of the huge
impact it had on our economy. I drew up some collages to explore my ideas further,
combining elements of the revolution with designs inspired by one of my favourite
designers and I think the overall aged effect looks great on ceramic.”

British Ceramic Tile’s head of design and product, Claire O’Brien, added: “Nishat’s
project was well thought out. She listened to mid project feedback and delivered on
the comments, creating a stunning design.

“As one of the only tile brands to design and manufacture products in Britain, we
think it’s part of our role to run these initiatives and support the incredible young
talent that we have in this country. We will be able to offer Nishat the professional
insight she needs when it comes to working in the design industry from planning and
trend boards, initial design and prototypes – through to final production.”

For further inspiration and tile advice, visit www.britishceramictile.com