Students Collaborate with Iconic British Brand Anglepoise for 90th Anniversary and showcase their work at London Design Festival
Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art have collaborated with iconic lighting brand Anglepoise as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. Their innovative designs will be showcased at a high-profile exhibition during the London Design Festival 2025, taking place from September 13 to 21.
The collaboration involved students from the Surface Patter and Textiles and Design Crafts (Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery) programmes, who were invited to respond to a live brief reimagining the form, surface, and materiality of the Anglepoise lamp. Working with templates supplied by Anglepoise, students explored radical interpretations of the company’s values of sustainability, longevity, and repairability, while pushing the boundaries of material use and surface treatment.
Industry leader Simon Terry of Anglepoise visited Swansea College of Art during the project and praised the students’ creativity, saying he had been “blown away” by the quality and innovation of their responses.
The project encouraged students to see Anglepoise lamps not only as lighting products but as tools for doers, from writers and makers to engineers and coders. Designs were developed to enhance the experience of using a task lamp, while remaining true to the company’s functional and aesthetic heritage.
Georgia McKie, Programme Manager for Surface Pattern and Textiles and Assistant Academic Director at UWTSD said: “Responding to opportunities, challenging design briefs and pioneering collaborations is part of the DNA of these two programmes - we thrive on this at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art. To collaborate with such an iconic British brand is a game changer for student portfolios. We are proud of the accomplishments of the students, the lecturing staff and technical teams who have driven this, it has been a joy to watch the project unfold.
“It is clear that the standard of the outcomes and the scope of the design solutions produced have far exceeded initial expectations of the brief - there’s nothing we love more than when we see this penny drop with our project partners! These really are special programmes offering exceptional learning experiences, always open to exciting and meaningful live projects.”
Anna Lewis, Programme Manager for Design Crafts, added: “From the moment I heard there was a possibility of working on a live brief with Anglepoise I was all in! Our students specialise in a diverse range of materials and processes, from glass and ceramics to metalwork and eco-materials. To see them respond so passionately and professionally to this challenge has been inspiring. This collaboration has pushed them beyond their comfort zones and resulted in exciting, innovative outcomes.”
Students explored materials ranging from kiln-formed glass, electroformed metals, and porcelain ceramics to eco-materials such as grass roots, pine cones, recycled plastics, and even beach waste, all reflecting themes of sustainability and storytelling.
Student reflections include:
Anna Jones (BA Design Crafts): “Working with ceramics alongside acrylic and wool helped me to see that materials considered incompatible can form fascinating new textures and shapes. This project has been an exciting journey of experimentation.”
Claire Tilling (BA Design Crafts): “Using beach-found plastics, recycled copper, and sea glass allowed me to explore narratives of human impact, memory, and belonging. My work connects us with the ghosts of once-forgotten objects.”
Sarah Davies (BA Surface Pattern and Textiles) : “Through design, I weave together imagination, nature, and storytelling. Whether I’m drawing by hand or working digitally, I’m drawn to the magical details of celestial symbols, botanical forms, and the rich textures of natural fibres.”
“Upon graduating, I intend to establish myself as a freelance surface pattern designer. Collaborating with brands such as Anglepoise has provided me with invaluable insights into the expectations of a designer, and how to adapt my work to align with a brand’s vision.”
Maja Lane (BA Surface Pattern and Textiles) : “For me, BEYOND is pushing myself to try new things to develop detailed surface treatments for the shade. Throwing myself into new techniques, even those I may not like initially, has been a journey of self-discovery. I’ve learned to look beyond my self-doubt and grow as a designer and creative person.”
A Lasting Impact
Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art and Media said: The collaboration not only celebrates Anglepoise’s 90-year history of design excellence but also highlights the role of emerging talent in shaping the future of design. By engaging students in real-world projects, UWTSD continues to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
The final student works will be exhibited during the London Design Festival 2025, offering international audiences the chance to see how tomorrow’s designers are reimagining one of Britain’s most enduring design icons. Students from the University of Portsmouth and Golden Wolf were also involved in the project.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071