British Ceramic Tile inspires local students with creative project

British Ceramic Tile has shown its support for young designers at Plymouth College of Art once again, setting a creative brief to inspire second year students.                 

The BA (Hons) Printed Textile Design & Surface Pattern students were challenged to design a collection of ceramic tiles tapping into the trend for white or natural stone effects. Not just a design or a moodboard, students were asked to show an understanding of current market activity and trends, and were encouraged to be bold and brave with their ideas, experimenting with different materials and effects.

The students were invited to present their work to British Ceramic Tile’s head of design and product, Claire O’ Brien and designer, Luka Webb, who were impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of work on display.

Emma Corner was awarded first prize for “The Hexpot”, an innovative tile design that taps into the current trend for plant-based patterns and artisan, hand-crafted finishes. Emma used her recent visit to the internal trade fair, Heimtex, to inspire her work, bringing texture to surfaces through a decorative white tile with raised effects.

Emma said: “There’s a real movement towards tiles designed for smaller, flexible spaces, which is why I created this tile to work within a city dwelling. Texture was key to the overall effect, as was a sense of bringing the outside in. I found designing a white tile to be a real challenge as I had to explore textures, contrasts and shade, really pushing the brief to deliver a tile that would tap into key trends. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole design and experimental process, and I’m delighted that my tile design was a winner.”

Claire comments: “Emma’s work stood out to us. It was clear she pushed the boundaries of the brief. Designing a white tile can be difficult especially when you want to create something special, but the research and thought that went into the proposal was fantastic. We often visit shows for our creative inspiration, which is just what Emma did bringing the latest trends directly into her work.”

British Ceramic Tile has supported Plymouth College of Art for the past three years, and will continue to support the college for the foreseeable future.