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Next generation of home-grown talent nurtured with student design competition

Tile manufacturer and distributor, the CP Group, has been searching for the next generation of home-grown talent recently, undertaking a student design project in collaboration with the University of Huddersfield.

In a bid to discover new talent and further relationships with the University, a six week design project was launched for 29 first year students all studying a BA (Hons) in Surface Design for Fashion and Interiors. Students were introduced to the latest trends in interior design, developments in tile manufacturing and given a personal insight into the CP Group's innovative production techniques before being invited to put forward a new tile design at the company's Head Office.

After some deliberation due to the high standards of entries, the judging panel crowned Gemma Tovey the winner.

As part of her prize, Gemma will receive £200 towards her studies. She will also see a number of her final designs visualised as physical tile samples at the CP Group's Head Office in Brighouse for her portfolio.

The project, led by CP's Design Manager Claire O'Brien and Helen Ryall from the University, has proved to be a tremendous success. Claire says: "At CP we are extremely passionate about pattern, colour, texture and innovation, with our research and development department, design team and production arm all working very closely together to create tile ranges that are totally unique, adding value through decorative designs and cutting edge technology.

"This latest project is very much an extension of our commitment to nurturing and fostering talent and the next generation of surface pattern designers. The final entries that we judged were hugely impressive and the professionalism and creativity that each student demonstrated has shown us that there are some exciting times ahead for the surface pattern design industry.

"Gemma was chosen as the winner as her entry immediately stood out. Her understanding of how to use a range of surface textures was remarkable. She had a strong visual story and experimented to great effect with different textures and materials, all within a stunning white colour scheme."

On winning the student design project, Gemma says: "My inspiration came from the Surface Design Show in London, which I visited earlier this year. I noticed how different textures had been used at the show and incorporated that design trend into my tiles. I am actually speechless that I won, but I really enjoyed the project and feel that I have learnt a lot from it."

Pictured from left to right: Jo Harris from the University (Helen Ryall on maternity leave), Gemma Tovey and Claire O'Brien

T: 0845 519 7039
E: [email protected]
W: www.cpgroupuk.com

17th June 2011