British Ceramic Tile launch student project with Central Saint Martins for Clerkenwell Design Week

Keen to champion its expert design credentials, the UK’s largest ceramic and glass
tile manufacturer, British Ceramic Tile, has joined forces with Central Saint Martins
to launch a new student initiative during Clerkenwell Design Week.

The talented young ceramic design students at Central Saint Martins have been
challenged to create a new tile design to tap into the buzz around the Royal
Wedding, developing a surface solution that typifies all that is great about Britain.

Taking inspiration from our national treasures, heritage and stunning landscape, the
students must create a premium product that fits the brief and appeals to a younger
consumer. Students will be given the opportunity to put their skills into practice,
demonstrating their understanding of following a brief, product development,
commercial awareness and creating mood boards, all while enhancing their design
capabilities.

Students will pitch their designs to British Ceramic Tile’s head of design and product,
Claire O’Brien, who will pick her top five to be showcased to at British Ceramic Tile’s
London Hub during Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), with the winner being
announced on the 24 May 2018. A highlight in the calendar for many architects,
designers, specifiers and suppliers, this project will celebrate the best of British
design during CDW, giving students a real insight into the workings and possibilities
of tile design.

Claire adds: “Working for a large manufacturer, it’s important to constantly be aware
of the latest interior trends, as well as topical occasions that can be reflected
through design. The Royal Family is a British tradition with royal weddings sparking
product design for companies in the UK and abroad. We want to celebrate British
design and the talent offered by the younger generation making the most of this
landmark wedding with a new, fun project.

“The largest of its kind in Europe, the Ceramic Design course at CSM attracts
students from across the globe to study at this prestigious institution, which is why
we’re delighted to be working with them and sharing some of our expert product
design knowledge and manufacturing know-how through this project.”

Anthony Quinn, Ceramic Design course leader at Central St Martins, comments:
“From the initial briefing, students have shown great interest in this project. British
Ceramic Tile is one of the few remaining tile manufacturers in the UK, and as a
nation admired for its passion for cutting edge design and quality manufacture, our
students are really on board with this. This will be the start of an exciting
partnership, watch this space.”