Design Guild Mark 2019 awarded to 22 designs from Furniture and 2D categories
A total of 22 designs from the Furniture and 2D categories, representing the domestic and contract markets, have been awarded the prestigious Design Guild Mark for 2019.
The Design Guild Mark is awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, in order to drive excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation.
Now in its eleventh year, the Mark recognises the highest standards in the design of furnishings in volume production by the finest designers working in Britain, or British designers working abroad.
Rodney McMahon, Chairman of the Design Guild Mark, commented: ‘The variety and quality of designs applying for the Design Guild Mark always makes for an interesting judging day and, this year, we were pleased to meet many new designers and companies willing to put themselves forward. The insights of our judges, and the challenging questions that they pose, ensure that the award of a Design Guild Mark is something to which to aspire.’
Judge Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR, comments: ‘The diversity of entrants shone through, with a wonderful eclecticism in craft, materials and manufacturing processes on show as well as approach to ecological responsibility. As the world of work, life and play blurs, so did the ideas of the entrants, with many pieces adaptable enough to be useful in many different contexts without compromising their purposefulness, design quality, or indeed their commitment to pushing the wellness agenda forward.’
Fellow judge Corinne Pringle, Director at tp bennett, says: ‘The Design Guild Mark offers a fabulous opportunity for designers to showcase their creative thought process, which goes into any product. Working collaboratively with other specialists in the development of their ideas to bring together a marketable solution within their industry is often a challenge! The Design Guild Mark recognises the importance of creativity and development of solutions in new ideas.’
‘This years’ winners provided a refreshing mix of clever ideas, beautifully crafted details and creative solutions on how to live, work and relax,’ adds Joanna Biggs, Director at GA Design. ‘It’s always a pleasure to be involved in the process and I hope the results will inspire more unique and innovative entries next year.’
The 2019 Design Guild Mark recipients included the Ori Guest Bed, designed by Catherine Aitken and manufactured by Another Country, Oran designed by Mark Gabbertas for Allermuir, William Lounge Chair and Ottoman, again designed by Mark Gabbertas for Gloster Furniture, Oxbow Lounge Chair, designed by Namon Gaston and Peter Holmes for Namon Gaston and Peter Holmes, BOB, designed by Paul Kelley for Bisley, Panel designed by Lucy Kurrein for Capdell, Rock, designed by Yorgo Lykouria for Allsteel, Isla, designed by Tom Potts for Lyndon, Barrel, designed by Philippe Malouin for SCP, Bure Collection, designed by Steven Owens for &Bespoke and Newson Aluminum Chair, designed by Marc Newson for Knoll International.
