The work of Gemma Singleton, a Bucks 2020 BA (Hons) Textile Design graduate, has been recognised at the New Designers Awards. Selected for the Sainsbury’s Argos Home Award, Gemma will receive a mentorship from Sainsbury’s in-house designers and the opportunity to sell her designs for use in retail.

The competition entry, ‘Tokyo to Kyoto’, is inspired by Japanese culture and biophilic design. Gemma conducted primary research for her project by exploring cultural activities such as visiting fish markets.

Gemma commented: “I feel very honoured to receive the Sainsburys Argos Home Award, especially after the disappointment of not being able to show my work physically at New Designers. The awards this year provided us graduates with an opportunity to still get the recognition that we worked so hard for.

“Winning this award has already opened up other avenues and established connections. I am excited for my mentoring opportunity as this will provide me with a stronger insight of the industry and kick start my freelancing design career. I have a few commission projects lined up which I hope to complete alongside selling work under my own brand.”

Textile Design course leader, Poppy McKinnon-Evans, commented: “Gemma has shown a true dedication to her work throughout her time her at Bucks. Her final collection, Tokyo to Kyoto, based on her travels around Japan, successfully captured her natural ability to create detailed, sophisticated textiles and showcased her passion for textile print. Her commitment to producing work to such a high, professional standard is a great demonstration of her talents.

“For Gemma to be awarded the Sainsbury’s/Argos Home Award: Future Thinking – Print, Materials & Surface Pattern at the New Designers 2020 awards ceremony is a true testament of her ambition and an absolutely, outstanding achievement. It is excellent recognition for our Textile Design course here at Bucks, where we strive to ensure our students graduate with professional awareness and are industry ready.

“Huge congratulations to Gemma, we can’t wait to see what she goes on to achieve in her promising career.”

Jamie Gent, Assistant Designer and Studio Co-ordinator for Home and Furniture at Sainsburys, said: “We are really looking forward to getting to know Gemma better and discussing possible opportunities going forward.”

More of Gemma’s work can be viewed on her Instagram page: @g_singletondesigns