Smashing success!

Ceramicist Jill Shaddock has wowed judges and journalists alike at New Designers in London, with The Independent hailing her a ‘star of tomorrow’.

The Three Dimensional Design graduate has scooped THREE awards at the annual showcase of new design talent, just weeks after winning FIVE prizes at the MMU Degree Show.

Held at the Business Design Centre (BDC) in Islington, New Designers features work from over 3,500 newly graduated designers from around 200 UK courses.

The event has launched the careers of Ella Doran, Thomas Heatherwick and Matthew Williamson and the New Designers Awards are presented to graduates the BDC judges deem the most promising.

Next generation of design leaders

Jill’s tableware range, which features sushi and noodle sets in sumptuous shades of blues and greys, scooped the Habitat Innovation Award, Pulse Award and came Runner Up for the BDC New Designer of the Year.

BDC judges said of the work: “We were impressed by Jill’s attention to detail, simplicity of form and a focus on keeping a high finish. We were also fascinated by the way she incorporated the working process into the surface decoration.”

Describing her trademark technique, 22-year-old Jill comments: “By manipulating the normal methods of slipcasting, using a layering technique, I create unique objects that elevate a process normally associated with mass production. The vessels I create are both aesthetical and functional.”

Future exhibitions and collaborations

At MMU’s Degree Show, Jill won the chance to exhibit at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at Spinningfields, the Snug at Hebden Bridge and the Design Show in Liverpool.

The West Yorkshire born designer, who plans to set up her own ceramics studio, said: “Being selected for the shows is a fantastic way to begin my career in ceramics design.

“I was lucky enough to be presented with a number of awards at the Degree Show, all of which open up exciting avenues for me.”

Jill has also been given the opportunity to develop her ceramic work with Ferrious in Manchester and apply for ‘Project Network’ at Guldergaard, an international ceramics research centre in Denmark.