Upholstery students work with top manufacturer

Upholstery students at The Cass (The Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design) are competing on a brief set by Heico Fasteners UK to create an innovative furniture design incorporating their new range of powder coated decorative nails. The company will use the winning work to showcase the range at the Interiors Exhibition at the Birmingham NEC in January 2010.

The competition has two stages. Students will present their concept using a ‘Mood Board’ including draft design ideas, materials and chosen nails. Individual designs will then be selected to go forward to production. The finished scaled down chairs will be judged by Joan Milton, the former president of The Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF), and a winner selected to feature at the show.  Heico will supply the nails for each students design as well as covering various material costs involved. As well as the showcase at Design Interiors, the winning student and two runners up will receive specialist upholstery equipment prizes.

Dave Read UK Sales Manager at Heico Fasteners UK said: 'We see this as the start of a long term relationship with the University and hope that this competition can become a regular event. We’re really looking forward to seeing the students ideas.'

Michael Upton Academic Leader at The Cass said: 'It’s great for the department and the students to be working so closely with a leading manufacturer, and all the more impressive given that this is an important new product launch for Heico. The winning student will benefit from a great showcase at Design Interiors.'

13 November 2009