The Archbishop of York praises student’s Church Chair

A product design student from York St John University has had her design for an alternative to the traditional church pew tested by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu before it is showcased at New Designers, the UK’s most important graduate exhibition, between 4 and 7 July.                                       

Sarah Crawley is one of a long line of successful design graduates from York St John University.  As part of her final module, Sarah designed and built the Church Chair to be sympathetic towards historic interiors, ergonomic to ensure comfort for the user and creatively using three legs to connect with the holy trinity. 

Sarah’s Church Chair will be on display to the public and design professionals at the New Designers exhibition in London alongside the work of 12 other Product Design students from the University. 

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who is the Chancellor of York St John University, was very impressed with Sarah’s design.  He said: “I was delighted to welcome Sarah, her mum and the Vice Chancellor to Bishopthorpe and to try out her wonderful Church Chair.  I wish Sarah every success both at the New Designers exhibition and beyond.  Who knows she may even become the next Mouseman!”

Sarah commented: “New Designers has launched the careers of thousands of the UK’s design graduates, so we’re all very excited to be part of this year’s exhibition.  Studying at York St John University has given me all the skills I need to design my own products and to get positive feedback from the Archbishop of York has given me added confidence in my design.” 

The New Designers show will unveil the remarkable talent of this year’s design graduates from all over the UK at the Business Design Centre in London.  The two part event will introduce the very latest ideas and emerging trends across a host of design disciplines.  

Part 1 (27 – 30 June) will display contemporary applied art including ceramics and glass, jewellery and metal work alongside directional textiles fashions and home accessories.  The work of York St John University students including Sarah’s Church Chair will be showcased during Part 2 of the event (4 – 7 July) where fresh ideas for furniture and spatial design, including interiors and architecture, will be juxtaposed beside innovative product design.

To find out more and book tickets for New Designers please visit www.newdesigners.com or call 08448 480 140.