Jobs and opps

WHO: open to all designers both professional and student.

WHAT: invitation to submit work for a new pewter design project as part of a partnership between Wentworth Pewter and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Many of Archibald Knox’s original designs and sketches and several pewter examples are now in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum. As part of Wentworth’s commitment to furthering the use and design of pewter whilst continuing to maintain the traditional hand-crafted manufacturing techniques, there is now the opportunity to access the Knox work held by the V&A (not all of which is otherwise available to view by the public) to inspire new pieces for a collection to be launched in 2009. The products will be sold through department stores and gift shops in the UK and will be marketed with relevant provenance about the V&A and Wentworth. It is expected that designers will wish to visit the museum in order to view all the Knox material. Visits should be done by prior arrangement so that a member of V&A staff can accompany visitors in the non-public spaces. Visit dates are suggested in early March.

PAYMENTS: the winning designer(s) will be invited to work with Wentworth to produce the final pieces for product launch during autumn 2009 with select retail partners. The winning designs will be marketed and sold by Wentworth with the support and assistance of the V&A, the winning designer will be accredited in all sales initiatives and press opportunities. Payment will be made to the winning designer in the form of design royalties.

DETAILS: the product design should focus on interior décor products such as bowls, vases, picture frames, candle holders and other accessories. All designs will be judged on their commercial suitability both in terms of saleability and ease of manufacture. Any changes to the selected designs to make them more saleable or easier to manufacture will be carried out with the full involvement and permission of the designer. Announcement of the winners and a presentation will be made in June 2009.

Deadline: 15 May 2009 ** Deadline expired**

Organiser/employer: Victoria & Albert Museum

[ Added on 24 February 2009 ]