- Product Design Engineering
students unveil collectable designs in the 7th annual Retail Therapy
project. - Products on sale at www.pdecollection.com
- The project was supported
by Autodesk and Formlabs
For
the last seven years 4th year Product Design Engineering students at The
Glasgow School of Art have applied their creativity to develop products
conceived especially for retail sale. The latest collection of 23 designs – which
are ideal for Christmas gifts – was
unveiled today, 10 December 2021. The Retail Therapy collections also offer the
chance to get ahead of the crowd and snap up a future design classic – such as
the original Glasgow Monuments Chess Set which was designed as part of Retail
Therapy 4 in 2018.
From
an absurdist twist on traditional renaissance sculpture (elements of Michelangelo’s
David transformed into candle sticks), to coffee cups, spice jars, a
saki set, a bag made from recycled reclaimed pallet strapping and leather
offcuts, and miniature design classics (three iconic telephones) the designs
start from as little £18.
“Since
2015 the MEng4 class of Product Design Engineering have engaged in the ‘Retail
therapy’ initiative as their main Semester 1 project giving them the chance to not only create
products that will appeal
to customers, but importantly to learn more about pitching them at a price that
people will be willing to pay,’ says tutor, Hugh Pizey. “
“Last
year we linked up with high tech companies to provide access to cutting edge 3D
printing and state of the art design software, which allowed the students to
design and make products spanning the full spectrum from the hand-crafted to
the digitally printed that could then be sold online.
“This
year we are delighted to have again linked up with Autodesk and have also
received support from Formlabs who have loaned the department two state of the
art resin 3D printers.”
For
full information on the designs in the 2021 PDE Christmas collection see Notes for Editors.
Ends
For further information
and images contact:
Lesley Booth
077799414474
Notes
for Editors
Michael Gartside
– Allora
£18
Allora
is a range of stoneware handleless cups, designed to comfortably fit the hand’s
natural grip. The concept was inspired by Italian coffee culture and the simple
comfort of a relaxing coffee break. Designed using 3D modelling, slip casting
and ceramic glazing to create an ambitious concept. Using reactive glazes means
that each cup has its own unique style and character.Available in 3 sizes:
The
Latte– blue glaze outside with clear glaze inside.
The
Flat White – blue glaze inside and outside.
The
Espresso – half dipped blue glaze, half unglazed stoneware outside and clear
glaze inside.
Isla Weir – Honeycomb
£18
A
play on perspective, Honeycomb is a contemporary toast rack which aligns at a
certain angle to reveal a hexagonal pattern. Using Autodesk Fusion 360
software, this product was carefully imagined on CAD. For the toast rack bases,
white oak was handcrafted and finished with mineral oil and citrus wax. This
drew out the veins in the wood, giving each product a naturally unique
appearance. The warm tones of the finished wood compliment the brass wiring
which was meticulously hand-shaped to precise dimensions and worked to a bright
finish.
Ellie
Thomson – Octapot
£19
The
Octapot is a unique, geometric plant pot, designed for the home to show off
your house plants. Its dynamic facets, in contrast with organic foliage, allow
it to sit elegantly poised on a shelf, mantel or ledge, the plant angled
towards the viewer. The use of Jesmonite gives this cast product a luxurious,
fun, tactile quality, allowing the Octapot to balance confidently on any
surface
Ailsa McClymont – Tårn
£22
Inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian design
with an ode to Memphis-Milano.Each piece is shaped so the stacking order can be
changed for personal preference and more variety. The towers are handmade
and cast in jesmonite and will have slight variations in appearance, creating
unique and individual products.
Kyle
Carmichael – Polyflora
£24
Polyflora
is a modular plant trellis that can be setup in hundreds of different ways.
Inspired by the geometric forms found within nature, polyflora will support and
accentuate your climbing plants – growing with them and adapting to new
environments. Each set includes: 18 Brass and bamboo rods, 9 connector pods,
Hemp storage bag, Inspiration booklet
Kirsten
Mitchell – CIRRO
£25
CIRRO
are transparent, colourful, acrylic vases, that are sure to brighten up any
room. Their shape inspired their name, which comes from the Greek Latin word
for ‘cloud’. Two different vases are available ‘sunset’ and ‘earth’ which
represents their colouring. Each vase was laser cut, then stuck together by
hand, giving each of them a personal touch. These vases are a decorative
centrepiece for any table and truly come to life when the sun shines through
them. They allow fresh flower arrangements to be displayed but also would be
great for holding everyday objects, such as makeup brushes.
Cameron
Marr – Slant
£25
This
product is a striking Jesmonite pen holder to make a statement on your desk.
The piece has gone through a lengthy design process to become a refined final
product. Whilst subtle in colour it will catch eyes and is suited to fit every
desk environment. The piece can hold up to 5 pens.
Katie
Hancock – Stratis: The paper letter opener
£27
Open
your mail in style with the ‘stratis’ paper letter opener. Stratis was created
with a desire to meld traditional methods of communicating with a modern,
unique design. Each letter opener is handcrafted from 100 sheets of laminated
paper and features a mahogany or ink blue disc.
Callum
Parke – Turas Glasses Case
£30
Inspired
by the rugged horizon of Skye’s Cuillin ridge, this 3D printed piece
embellished with a vein of gold will inspire adventure in those that wish to
see it just a little more clearly.
Kate
Gibson – Ripple
£30
Choose
a set of 5 coasters in one of two classic colourways – cool grey and
warm beige. Each set consists of 5 varying shades, complementing each other to
harmoniously match your home décor.The ridges in each coaster allow the
products to stack together for a practical, sculptural storage solution, and
the undulating cork lining allows each coaster to slide off the top of the
stack effortlessly while preventing scratches.Careful design allows
condensation to naturally drip into the trenches of the waves, preventing the
coasters from sticking to the bottom of your glass for the optimum elegant
drinking experience
Scott
Waitt– EMBER
£32
This
product was inspired by the simple act of bringing people together by the
warmth of a fire. I have many happy memories, standing round a campfire,
surrounded by friends and family, toasting marshmallows.Ember, the luxury fire
starting kit, is ready to ignite your camping experience. Taking a unique
perspective on the classic flint and steel. This modular product has both
traditional steel and modern-day 3D printed components to encompass a sleek,
compact design. Ready to be taken on any adventure, whether that’s the peaks of
the Cairngorm or movie night in the house.
India
Hay – Stars Above Earth Below
£35
Five
glass jars containing whole star anise, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, cloves, and
fennel seeds for Chinese five-spice. Each jar has been upcycled with a handmade
plaster lid cast into the image of the spice it contains. Due to the casting
process, in which actual spices are used, every lid is unique. The indents on
each lid denote the weight ratio of the spice to be used in five-spice (for
example, seven indents indicate seven parts by weight).Also provided is an
informational booklet describing the history of Chinese five-spice and the
properties of its components.
Gabe
Skeoch – Miniature
Design Classics: Iconic Phone Collection
£35
Inspired
by my love for famous design and my recent journey into wood carving, I have
made 3 miniature models of the most Iconic phones in the history of design.The
first Red Telephone Box –Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (1935); Model 500 rotary phone
–Henry Dreyfuss (1949); First commercial mobile phone – Motorola dynatac
8000x –Martin copper for Motorola (1983)
The
masters for each model were predominantly hand carved from a block of wood and
tiny details were added via laser cuts and plasticine. Each model is cast in
resin then painted and finished by hand. I have put an incredible amount of
time, effort and focus into every individual model which makes each one
unique.I am looking to continue carving other miniature design classics making
this original set that little bit more special.
Fin
Atterton – Oil Burner. Walnut
£35
The
walnut Oil Burner has been handcrafted from brass, steel and walnut. Using heat
from a tealight candle, the essential oils suspended in the hammered brass bowl
are able diffuse into your space creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Treat
your senses to this oil burner and enhance your home with a scent of your
choice.
Molly
Walker – OFFSET
£36
OFFSET
is a set of three unique coat hooks which combine both artwork and
functionality. These stylish hooks, heavily inspired by the modern art
movement, use a combination of geometric and natural shapes in an offset
orientation in order to create a visually exciting piece of art for your wall.
The hooks are made from both steel and jesmonite in order to provide strength
whilst maintaining a brightness and softness to the shapes. The three hooks
come fitted with a concealed fixing and can be arranged as a set or used
individually.Wall brackets and screws included
Anna Kennedy – Eclipse
£38
Eclipse plays with light through reflections,
semi-transparency and shadows that change throughout the day. Inspired by the
architecture of Carlo Scarpa, eclipse uses materials, processes, and design
features to create poetry and meaning. Eclipse drew inspiration from the solar
phenomenon it’s named after. Like
Scarpa, I hope it will inspire many different
meanings.
Matilda
Remijsen – TWILL
£38
TWILL
is a handcrafted case made of reclaimed pallet strapping and leather offcuts.
The case is designed to accommodate various items including a 13 inch laptop or
notepad. TWILL has a padded lining and the woven strapping is naturally bouncy
and impact resistant
Molly
Mitchell-Knight – e v o l v e
£44
Evolve
was made with the ages of design in mind. I have been inspired by art movements
of the 19th and 20th century, with a reunion between creativity and
manufacturing, and the simplicity of geometric design.Allow your plants to grow
in style
Beth Fairgrieve – Match
£45
match’ is a fun set of jesmonite parts which build
modular candle holders or a bold, sculptural piece for your home. Initially
inspired by reflecting candlelight, the dappled gold leaf compliments every
colour tone and adds warmth and luxury to your home. Each set encourages you to
play and engage your creative side, experimenting with endless colour and form
combinations. The weight of the solid jesmonite parts offer a satisfying
experience and clunk together beautifully.
Emily
McGoldrick – Wabi Sake
£45
Handmade
Sake set Including a jug with two small cups and matching Masu boxes.
This
set has been manufactured using predominantly two techniques of hand-building
with clay and slip casting. The name Wabi Sake comes from a mixture of two
Japanese terms, the first being Wabi Sabi broadly meaning; living in acceptance
and finding the beauty in imperfection. The second term is Sake, the name of a
traditional Japanese alcohol. I wanted to make a hand-made set to include a
level of uniqueness in every item to create something imperfectly perfect
personal to you.
Rhiannon
King – Mudra balls
£45
Inspired
by traditional Chinese Baoding balls, Mudra balls are rotated in one hand
repeatedly as a relaxing exercise to improve dexterity and muscle strength. The
calming nature of the rotation and stimulation of acupressure points in the
hand makes the balls an excellent meditation aid to reduce stress and trigger
positive energy.
Vsevolod
Shestakov – OSINA
£55
OSINA
is a hand-crafted table standing mobile sculpture inspired by the work of
renowned mobile artist, Alexander Calder.The design of this sculpture
introduces pleasant distractions into your domestic lifestyle to make you feel
relaxed and clear your busy mind. Its flat leaf shapes made from unique
chemical patina copper and polished brass catch the ambient air and rotate
around the multiple balance points provided by the stainless-steel wire
connections. This feature enables a constantly evolving composition, bringing
life and movement into your atmosphere. Slight colour variance may occur depending
on your viewing screen.
Sam
Rice –David.
£60
David
is a set of four cultured-marble candlesticks based around the eye ear mouth
and nose of Michelangelo’s David. This absurdist twist on traditional
renaissance sculpture aims to capture a work in progress, by taking on the
forms of ‘half carved’ marble blocks. Each candlestick contrasts courser raw
faces, with buffed facial forms. The four candlesticks are cast and handcrafted
from Cultured Marble, wet sanded and polished. Can be used with candles or
simply as an eye-catching centerpiece and conversation starter. Designed for
20-24mm candles.