British ceramic designer Andrew Tanner graduated from the University of Brighton in 1997. His collections have become some of the most recognised ceramics to have emerged from the craft and design scene over the last decade and successfully combine traditional manufacturing with contemporary British design. In 2010 Andrew was awarded the highly acclaimed British Council Entrepreneur in Design Award.
“The course at Brighton was built around a journey as a practitioner, from working with raw material through to understanding processes and production. This is a valuable asset for my business enabling me to push boundaries within my field, working closely with different manufacturers whilst creating a new development of ideas for industry.”
In 2008 Andrew became head of Design for Royal Stafford and Poole Pottery in Stoke on Trent, Creating new collections with the design industry for clients including: UK Anthropology, John Lewis and BHS. His collections are also sold in the USA, Japan, Korea and Russia.
“Brighton offered a hands on insight into working with materials and encouraged experimentation. The course prided itself upon the bare foundations of design of which is primary research fuelled with expert knowledge from teaching professionals to ensure originality and creativity prevailed.”
Through his award winning designs, Andrew Tanner successfully brings craft and design together and finds a harmony between traditional values and modern appetites. His own in-house collections sell through prestigious stores both nationally and internationally and include Liberty, Paperchase and Selfridges.
“I would recommend the course for the undergraduate who wishes to learn about the properties and potential of materials and how these can be utilised to create objects of function, craft, design and product, the course was an invaluable programme which instigated my career to date.”
Andrew’s work is heavily documented within the lifestyle press and includes such accolades as being awarded the Future Classics award by Elle decoration and showcased in publications such as Wallpaper magazine, The Guardian, The Times and The Independent.
In 2010 Andrew wrote his first book, which was published by Bloomsbury and titled 'Batch- Craft, Design and Product,' whilst also being a creative industry mentor for emerging designers and makers. He is a judge for emerging talent at the established New Designers exhibition in London and continues to form links back with the University of Brighton College of Arts and Humanities as a visiting practitioner.
“The course benefited highly from being situated within the creative community of Brighton itself. Because of its diverse infrastructure I was able, as an undergraduate designer, to select my own pathway. This allowed me to specialise in material choice whilst being offered guidance and direction from teaching staff, many of whom stem from industry itself.”
