Thomas Lyte award shortlist announced

Those on the shortlist have beaten 200 entrants to the award, which is part of an initiative launched by luxury brand Thomas Lyte, in partnership with the Crafts Council, to offer young designer-makers a platform for their work. The winning design will be put into production.

British craft-makers were asked to take inspiration from English culture and create functional pieces for home or travel out of silver, fine metals, glass, wood or leather.

The winner of the prize will be announced at the gala night of the Craft Council-backed show Origin: The London Craft Fair, at Somerset House on 6 October, and will take home a £1500 cash prize as well as having their winning design commissioned by Thomas Lyte.

Two runners up will receive £750 each, and get to showcase their work alongside the other finalists at exhibitions at London’s Canary Wharf throughout September and at Origin from 7-19 October.

The finalists include James Maclachlan’s neon green Splatter bowl and Louise Cheshire’s silver vase.

The judges for the award are chief executive of Traditional Arts Nick Robinson, executive director of the Crafts Council Rosy Greenlees, creative director of Thomas Lyte Paul Brooking, glass-maker Sally Fawkes and journalist Emma Crichton-Miller.

A Thomas Lyte spokeswoman says, ‘The company plans to make this a yearly award. This will allow Thomas Lyte to find fresh talent and promote interest in British craft’.