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Our contemporary designer-maker network works with sector partners to support creative entrepreneurs across the UK, in good times and bad. Interest in the Design-Nation network has been substantial recently, so we convened an extra selection panel in June. And we are delighted to announce that seven more makers and designers have join the Design-Nation membership, with an interesting theme in this cohort of commitment to sustainable and environmentally aware practice.

The seven special designers are: Abigail Brown, Dawn Bache, Fleur Grenier, Lizzie Kimbley, Philip Koomen, Reworked by Sam Isaacs and Suzanne Seed, who moves up from our Graduate membership strand. Our membership manager Hayley Banks says, ''I''m really excited about getting to know our newest members over the coming weeks and finding out how Design-Nation can support their creative aspirations. This interim selection provided us with an opportunity to trial a new "virtual" selection process by convening our panel online, and it worked really well. The same lively discussions took place (albeit not around a table with copious tea and cakes!) and the panel were really impressed by the quality of the applications. Our newly selected members are a wonderful addition to our portfolio and the DN family!'' Read more and see their impressive work here.

Despite lockdown and all things COVID-19, our network continues to grow and to make beautiful, intelligent, well-received contemporary craft, object and product. And we''re not the only ones who think so: there''s been some excellent coverage of our designer-maker network in trade, interiors and general press recently. More details here.

Sales by Laura Elizabeth Glass and Margo Selby

Looking to invest in some gorgeous glass vessels or colourful cushions and throws to enliven your interiors? Check out these sales on now. Visitors to the London studio of  Laura Elizabeth Glass may find some amazing opportunities to acquire beautiful objects, as will those who check out Margo Selby''s website. Both events are on for a limited time, so don''t delay.

Our blog: insights into collecting, and working during lockdown

Product Launches
Some gorgeous new product launches from our members are emerging on freshly updated websites and on social media. Have a look at our line up:

Angie Parker has launched a new micro-collection of rugs and furnishings inspired by her daily lockdown walks past the colourful Bristol houses. The Bristol Blanket is one of the new designs created in partnership with Bristol Weaving Mill. For each blanket sold 10% of the profit will go to MIND the mental health charity, as it''s World Mental Health Day on the 10th Oct. 

'The Show Must Go On' is a beautiful new collection of luxurious velvet cushions and fine bone china tableware from much-loved British independent homeware company Melody Rose.  Featuring a new cast of characters, the Amazing Miss Rose, The Wonderful Alfonso and his performing pooch and lovely Berta Beeson the cross dressing tightrope walker. The Show Must Go On is a fresh and fun extension to the Acts of Daring series.
 
For furniture designer Nell Beale colour (and music) helps to lighten her mood. And this is apparent in two new pieces at Coucou Manou that Nell has designed, their aim, to bring a bit of cheer. Wam Bams are two big, bold pieces of art. And they are big, at well over a metre wide or high. Set against a strong black background with a choice of two striking colour schemes, these wall hung artworks are a celebration of colour and joy.

Amalia Sanchez de la Blanca at Linescapes is proud to introduce her latest work. The Sun Collection consists of over 60 architectural illustrations featuring a choice of three print sizes and five colourful backgrounds. This allows customers to find the perfect artwork for their home. The Sun Collection includes illustrations of iconic buildings from London, Brighton, the UK and the rest of the world. To celebrate the launch of the Sun Collection Linescapes are offering 10% off on any online purchases (sale items excluded). Simply enter code SUN2020 during checkout for the discount to apply.

Linda Bloomfield has designed some pendant lights for Hand and Eye Studio. The Morandi is a new range of porcelain pendant lights in two shapes and three tonally subtle colour options. Inspired by the work of Giorgio Morandi, these pendants can be arranged in rows or clusters to create your own hanging still life. Linda has also made a range of vases for NKDWARE, the debut collection for this new ceramics concept store. Inspired by the throwing process, the Potters' Wheel collection features a range of vases made by three potters in studios in London, Paris and Bangkok. Each vase is subtly different, capturing the throwing rings from the making process.
 
Suzanne Seed has created a limited collection of ten unique solid silver rings. Each ring is different, but they all have a sense of geometry and minimalism - the common theme which brings them together is they all have a little added detail of texture.

In 2020, Design-Nation is celebrating twenty years of championing and supporting the UK's incredibly talented and multifaceted design and craft sector. Our objective of bolstering business opportunities and creative development initiatives across the sector is more important than ever. Showcasing the diversity of the UK's craft and design talent is critical during these unprecedented times.

In our landmark project, '20 Makers, 20 Objects', we have curated an online showcase that celebrates selected signature pieces of design from our network. Incorporating a wide array of materials and practices, '20 Makers, 20 Objects' demonstrates some of the most innovative and enduring artworks and products that our members have created to date.

In a simple brief, we asked our membership of over 250 designers and makers: 'Do you have an artwork or product that is successful, in demand and that absolutely exemplifies you as a designer-maker - the piece that is the perfect example of your signature style?'

With the high calibre of our members' work, Design-Nation received a huge number of exceptional applications. The twenty makers chosen to take part in this project are scattered widely across the UK, and are representative of our far-reaching programme. The craft disciplines on display are diverse: working with an extensive choice of materials, the makers are versatile and skilled in both hand and machine processes. Each finished object speaks eloquently of its maker's approach to materials, processes, and innovation, while conveying their own particular way of seeing the world.
Who did we choose? Find out here on Thursday 10 September.

Our new member Lizzie Kimbley was short listed for the Vlieseline Fine Art Textiles Award  run by our friends at Upper Street Events (who also run New Designers). The award is normally shown as part of their August event The Festival of Quilts, and this year it is a virtual gallery.

Speaking To Trees is an exploration of wood by emerging contemporary artists and designers, curated and presented by Ruup & Form as part of London Design Festival. The exhibition delves into the diverse interactions makers have with wood: the organic exchange of ideas between the material and the maker. Featured makers include DN member Hannah Lobley and Graduate member Darren Appiagyei.

Helen Slater Stokes has been selected to show in the Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery''s London Craft Week exhibition Responses to Nature - which runs from 30th September to 10th October.

DN member Leszek Sikon has received a grant from QEST to undertake training in Japan, learning how to smelt and forge Tatara steel under Master Nobuya, and to research in specialist museums.

We know that good often comes from people in the most adverse situations. This month as Design-Nation marks 20 years of support for contemporary design and craft practitioners we celebrate new schemes for the creative community, and created by them.

Our Design-Nation team always do our best to be friendly and supportive, and certainly those elements of our offer have been called on frequently in these challenging times. Our whole network of designer-makers is also very friendly and supportive, demonstrating the good in everyone. Partially in response to COVID-19, but also because it's really important to us to build and strengthen networks and communications across our sector, we recently launched a Buddy Scheme for our members. The scheme's only been going for two months but already we are hearing about the positive benefits of this way of paired communications, created through a broadcast and randomised "draw from the hat". Read more here about our our members are connecting, sharing and working.

Barbara Chandler joins us to celebrate 20 years of success with a new blog feature

Our director Clare Edwards writes: 2020 will be a year to remember for many different reasons, but for Design-Nation it is a significant moment in time as we celebrate 20 years of championing and supporting the UK's design and craft sector.

Design-Nation was set up to be a unique resource to collaborate, consult, commission, trade, buy, collect, source, research and innovate; and this ambition continues today.  Twenty years on and Design-Nation's ground-breaking programme has brought together great partnerships, industry-wide champions and investment to strengthen business and creative development for the sector, supporting thousands of designers, makers and entrepreneurs.

Over the coming year we have a fantastic programme of marketing, partnership projects, events and exhibitions planned to reminisce, celebrate and look ahead to a new era for the UK's leading design and craft portfolio.

There have been many significant moments in 20 years but none of these would be possible without the insight and passion of our founder, Peta Levi MBE.  So our celebration starts here, with a beautiful and fitting tribute written by Barbara Chandler, Design-Nation's lifelong Friend and Brand Ambassador.

We are delighted that Barbara will be contributing to our blog each month as we mark twenty years of significant support for our design & craft community.

Barbara''s portrait kindly supplied by herself.

Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust open for applications

The very wonderful Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust will be accepting new applications for funding between 14 July and 24 August 2020. Talented and aspiring candidates can apply for up to ?18,000 under the QEST Scholarship progamme, to further their education through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with master craftsmen. Further details and application information is here.

Collect Open 2021

New member Fiona J Sperryn has been shortlisted for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation''s Wildlife Artist of the Year: the online gallery will be available 27 to 31 May. 

Textile designers Michelle House and Snowden Flood have teamed up for Dulwich Open House''s annual festival. Together with furniture maker Mandie Beuzeval they will open their doors virtually on 11 May - more information on Michelle''s Facebook page.

Diane Griffin was delighted to provide a Q&A for Thrown Contemporary''s blog. Discover more about Diane, her motivations, where it all started and even her bigger, wilder dreams. Diane''s answers give a fascinating insight into why she ventured into sculpture and the challenges as well as freedom that has brought.
 
Wallace and Sewell are launching two beautiful new designs for their Block throws this week, called Antoni and Cecil. These bold stripe designs are inspired by the work of artist Sonia Delaunay and feature a dynamic overlay of coloured bands, carefully selected to create the illusion of tonal depth. The throws are woven from sumptuous merino lambswool and beautifully finished with blanket stitch, to add extra tactile details.

• New online showcases aimed at trade buyers in the giftware, craft gallery and museum retail sector
• Online regional cluster hubs across the UK to support our membership, and a new cross-regional "buddy" scheme to stimulate dialogue and strengthen our network
• New maker resources including online training and coaching partnerships with some amazing partners
• Advice and advocacy around COVID-19's threat to businesses, including online resource, and partnership work and research with CraftUK, Crafts Council and Arts Council England.

New graduate member and designer Oli Turnpenney has been crowdfunding to 3D print reusable face-shields for NHS staff working on the COVID-19 front line. If you donate at least ?10 you also get your own face-shield. What a great idea and admirable commitment to fighting the virus.

Ceramicist Caroline Egleston of Piccolpasso Tiles creates distinctive handmade tiles for contemporary interior spaces. Her latest creation is a piece called "Zest: Tiles at Play" for Contemporary Applied Arts' Spring Exhibition. The gallery is currently closed due to COVID-19 but with other D-N members  Angie Parker, Helen Yardley and Margo Selby  also exhibiting, it''s definitely worth a visit when CAA re-opens!

Member Success & Recognition

While the spring and summer were necessarily quiet, our members' creativity never stops and we have some signal achievements to celebrate in 2020: Linda Bloomfield, Jacky Oliver and Margo Selby were all selected for the 2020 Collect Open, which Margo went on to win. Established member and contemporary blacksmith Leszek Sikon and "new girl on the block" silver engraver Chih-Ning Li were both supported with QEST scholarships; at the Goldsmiths Fair pieces by Ella Fearon-Low and Abigail Brown were singled out by British Vogue and the V&A's metalwork curator respectively; and Angus Ross' elegant new Prism Chair won Best Sustainable Product at Decorex. 
 
It's been great to see so many of our members celebrated by the media for their achievements and Design-Nation has also been in the press, aided by our press team at Seen PR, our design team at The Unloved and lots of hard work in-house. Titles that have sung the network's praises include Bristol Magazine, Ceramic Review, Design Milk, Dexigner, Elle Decoration, Homes & Antiques, Homes & Gardens, House & Garden, Interior Designer, Living Etc, London Evening Standard, Material Source, Simple Things and Tableware International.