New Designers winner seeks compensation

A New Designers past winner has lashed out at the student awards scheme and is seeking compensation after claiming he was duped over his prize.

Robert Hassett, a graduate from Bradford and Ilkley College, won the Opera Arts-sponsored museum graphics category last year. But he says he never received the prize money or a contract for a project, despite being led to believe he would be commissioned to produce a calendar of opera houses around the world.

“It seemed like such a good prize,” says Hassett. “I want to warn other students. I’m very disappointed and I think it’s misleading because if they tell you you’re going to be working on something you believe them.”

The Business Design Centre, which hosts and organises the event, distributed press information stating Hassett had been presented with a 1000 cash prize. But he has only received 250, despite preparing speculative designs for a Royal Opera House calendar which never went ahead.

“At the time of the competition there was nothing to suggest it would be speculative work,” adds Hassett, who has sought legal advice over the matter. “I was verbally offered a contract, the opportunity to work with leading European and American museums and opera houses and royalties of 10 per cent.”

Martin Village, director of Opera Arts, comments: “We didn’t offer any more than an opportunity which still exists, although it has been delayed. Our agreement with [the BDC] was not to hand out a 1000 cheque. At no point was it our intention or obligation to hand out 1000.”

Hassett states: “I should be compensated for the mishandling of the prize.”

No comment was forthcoming from the BDC.