2018 Design Guild Mark 2D

The Mark has traditionally recognised the design of furniture by the finest designers working in Britain and for the first time it has added a 2D design category – rewarding excellence in fabrics, textiles, wall coverings, floor coverings and carpets. This year, 11 qualifying products representing each category were considered and, after much debate amongst the judges, three worthy winners were selected.

Here are the three that were awarded the 2018 Design Guild Mark 2D:

SilicaStone from ALUSID was a popular entry with the judging panel. Handmade in Lancashire, SilicaStone is an eco-architectural material available in tile, panel or slab format, suitable for interior and exterior surfaces and is made from 94% recycled materials. The unique production process allows for material to be created without the use of chemicals or resin binders making it fire and heat resistant as well as fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Not only does SilicaStone have impressive sustainability credentials, the 15 standard colours and three standard design finishes are supremely versatile. The company is able to tackle the creative challenge of bespoke projects, making this an exciting product for designers and architects to add to their arsenal.

British carpet manufacturer Axminster Carpets has broken new ground and challenged the weaving capabilities of the loom in order to produce their innovative weave design which they have named Jitterbug. Made using 100% British wool with a backing of natural jute and cotton, make this not only beautiful but an environmentally friendly product as well. The hardwearing yet textural feel is created by combining undyed wool with thinner jute yarns giving the final design a superb three dimensional quality.

The island of Bute is synonymous with vibrant colour and this has been captured in Bute Fabric’s Alchemy collection. Made from British merino wool with a small amount of nylon in the warp to aid with drape and texture, the 30-colour collection can only enhance a designer’s resource library. Sufficiently strong enough to handle a commercial, hospitality or marine environment, this fabric’s versatility won over the judging panel.

Congratulations to all three Design Guild Mark holders, as well as the other contestants who participated in this year’s award, it is great to see British companies leading the way with such innovative products.

Daniel recently became a Freeman of the Furniture Maker’s Company, which aims to support the highest standards of design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing of all types of furniture and furnishing throughout the United Kingdom.