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MEP praises talented young designers at ceramic industry mecca

February 03, 2004

AN MEP has praised ceramic design students from Staffordshire University for showcasing their talents at an event that attracts thousands of suppliers and buyers from around the world.
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West Midlands MEP Malcolm Harbour made his comments after seeing first-hand the exciting new work produced by students from the University's MA Ceramic Design course and currently on display at the Spring Fair Birmingham, the UK's largest trade event dedicated to gifts and home accessories.��
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Staffordshire University is the only higher education organisation represented at the exhibition being staged at the NEC until Thursday, February 5. Household names at the show include Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Spode and Denby. Thousands of international decision-makers are expected to make their annual pilgrimage to the prestigious spring fair over the coming days.
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"This is a great idea - to bring great design within the reach of the customer and provide an ideal showcase for such talented young designers," added Mr Harbour.
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Student Janet Johnston, whose aerodynamic tableware range is set to be put into production for the hotel market by Dudson Duraline, said: "The feedback so far has been fantastic and really boosts your confidence. We're delighted to be part of this exhibition."
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Many of the Staffordshire University student designers have already wowed industry bosses and many have been snapped up and offered jobs by top ceramic firms before they have even graduated from the internationally renowned course.
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Also, some of the student work is already in production or in development by leading manufacturers, including Vista Alegre in Portugal, as well as Dudson Duraline, Denby Potteries and Royale Stratford in the UK.
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"It's fantastic that our students are being offered jobs at this stage and that many of their designs are deemed so good that they are already being put into production," said David Sanderson, course leader of MA Ceramic Design.
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"This clearly reflects the fact that Staffordshire University's MA Ceramic Design course is regarded as one of the leading postgraduate programmes worldwide for its work in ceramic design for manufacture.
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"This long established course, located in the heart of the Potteries at Staffordshire University's Stoke-on-Trent campus, has consistently produced graduates now employed by many of the leading ceramic companies both in the UK and overseas.
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"The close relationship between the course and industry is mutually beneficial and is primarily responsible for the unique character and international reputation of the course."�
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The Staffordshire University exhibition is part of the Ceramic Futures showcase, which is supported by the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF)(2).
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Gavin Pryke, Design Advisor for the Ceramic Industry Forum, said: "These creative design graduates are central to the future success of our industry.

Ceramic Futures is committed to fostering innovative creative design within the UK industry and the work of the MA Ceramic Design programme is a significant contributor to that aim."

Staffordshire University