National Awards Shine Spotlight on York Designer

An up and coming York product designer has been shortlisted for the coveted New Design Awards 2014 with his contemporary light shade design entry.

John Hollington – a second year product design student at York St John University – will exhibit his unique ‘elica’ pendant light design at the Interiors UK show at the NEC in Birmingham this month in a bid to win the award under the Furnishing Accessories category. He will be up against three other designers from across the UK, exhibiting under the same category.

The New Design Britain Awards recognise work by creative designers. A shortlist of 150 hopeful designers has been whittled down to four designers in each category: Furniture, Furnishing Accessories, Fabrics and Surfaces. The judging panel includes furniture buyer for Heal’s Elaine Boyle, previous New Design Britain winner Rob Scarlett, and design critic and photographer Barbara Chandler.

Says John Hollington, “I am really happy to have been shortlisted for this award and it has already been a great experience getting ready for the show. The design was part of my coursework during the first year of studying for my degree. It’s made from fluted polypropylene sheets which are laser cut into shape and assembled by hand to create an interesting patterned lighting effect.”

Warren Fearn, Head of Programme in the Faculty of Arts at York St John University, adds, “John was formerly a designer with civil and structural engineering consultants prior to joining the University as a mature student and his eye for precision is clearly evident within his work.

“John has paid careful attention to the functionality and aesthetics of the pendant. His design ensures that the pendent is well vented and will not overheat when the light is in use – which is particularly important for domestic settings. It is design considerations such as these which make it well worthy of its place at these awards.”

The designs will be exhibited at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham at the Interiors UK show between 19 to 22 January 2014. The winner will be announced on Monday 20 January at the event.