Jul 19 2016
A jewellery and metalwork student from Sheffield Hallam University has scooped the New Designer of the Year 2016 award
Rob Anderson was presented with his title at the New Designers awards and exhibition in London, which showcases the fresh-thinking and innovation of brilliant individuals, providing an essential pipeline of new talent into the UK’s creative industries.
Each year more than 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses exhibit at the show, which features everything from illustration to animation, furniture to fashion, and gaming to glass and takes place at the Business Design Centre in London.
Rob, originally from Barnsley, won his award for the creation of his body of work called ‘Heavy Hands’.
“I used an earthy palette to describe the forms and reinforce their humility. The vessels are all sturdy enough to be dropped and also heavy enough to not be forgotten about in the hand. Both of these factors are present to encourage people to pick up the vessel and actually hold onto them until they are finished with them.
“'Heavy Hands' was created in order to explore my own understanding of aesthetics and form. I took inspiration from the textures of concrete found in Brutalist buildings and studied the movement’s attitudes toward form. I combined this interest with the aesthetics of Japanese ceramics and their ‘quiet beauty’.
Rob Anderson, creator of 'Heavy Hands'
“I’d like to say many thanks to New Designers and the BDC for their award. I’m very humbled by this opportunity and excited at my future prospects.”
The judges praised the work Rob created.
“It exudes authenticity and the skill of the true craftsman. Technically it is brilliantly executed and the objects are simply beautiful and honest. He has integrity as a maker and is passionate about his work. It is great to award this prize to a man working in the heartland of the metal industry.”