Top award for student's ceramic designs

Luke Fuller, who recently completed his 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons), said it was a “huge honour” to scoop the ‘Business Design Centre New Designer of the Year Award’ at the ‘New Designers’ event in London.

The panel of judges commended Luke for his “original” approach to ceramics and said they were excited to see what he does next. Luke received a £1,500 cash prize from the Business Design Centre.

His winning display, which he also exhibited at the recent University of Brighton Graduate Show, was entitled Unearthing Port Talbot.

Luke said the award would enhance his portfolio and boost his future academic endeavours: “Being awarded the ‘New Designers of the Year’ prize will both raise my profile as a maker and boost my graduate collection.

“It was a huge honour to receive the award. This will continue to provide momentum as I make the move to Royal College of Art to undertake a Master’s degree in Ceramics and Glass.

Luke added that the teaching at the university had been highly influential to his work: “The 3D Design and Craft course has of course had a huge impact on my practice with the tutors and technicians providing exceptional support.”

The student’s project sought to reflect the industrial heritage of Port Talbot in South Wales, which hosts one of the UK’s largest steelworks, as well as exploring the close relationship between man and natural environment.

Luke designed ceramic artefacts that interpreted the human marks that have been carved into the landscape surrounding Port Talbot. The judges of the prize highlighted Luke’s historical focus and how his work was connected “to a sense of place”.

Luke said: “My work is strongly influenced by location as every place I visit has its own history, culture and community.

“I visit different locations such as Port Talbot, gathering research which provides me with an invaluable wealth of inspiration to create work reflecting on the notion of place.”

You can view more of Luke’s work on his Instagram page: @luke.fuller.