New Designers 2026 showcases ceramics on plant history and overlooked female botanists
From 1 to 4 July 2026, New Designers 2026, the UK's premier graduate design exhibition, will showcase the work of graduates nationwide. Among the standout projects is Hattie Taviner's 'The Secret History of Plants and the Women Who Found Them,' which delves into botanical history and highlights the often-overlooked roles of women in the natural sciences through ceramics and woodwork. Other notable works include Millie Herbert's 'Re-Play,' a seating collection crafted from plastic waste; Romy Philo's hand-embroidered textile 'Between Wool and Gold,' which reimagines the Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece; and Phuong Dung Nguyen's digital illustration 'Identity,' celebrating Vietnamese cultural characters. For over 40 years, this event has supported over 2,500 graduates each year in showcasing their creativity to industry experts and the public.
Key facts
- New Designers 2026 takes place from 1 to 4 July 2026.
- The showcase unites graduates from across the UK in a single cohesive event over one week.
- Hattie Taviner's project 'The Secret History of Plants and the Women Who Found Them' uses ceramics and woodwork to explore botanical history and overlooked female contributions.
- Millie Herbert's 'Re-Play' is a seating collection made from recycled plastic waste, promoting circular design.
- Romy Philo's 'Between Wool and Gold' is a hand-embroidered textile artwork inspired by the Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece.
- Phuong Dung Nguyen's 'Identity' is a digital illustration featuring characters drawn from Vietnamese culture.
- New Designers has been running for over 40 years and provides a platform for more than 2,500 graduates annually.
- The event is described as the UK's most established graduate design showcase.
Entities
Artists
- Hattie Taviner
- Millie Herbert
- Romy Philo
- Phuong Dung Nguyen
- Gwen Fabra Davies
- Katie Arnold
- Eleanor Scott
- Cat Sarabia
- Amy Roberts
- Laura Smithson
Institutions
- New Designers
- Dezeen
- University of Staffordshire
- University of Brighton
- University of Plymouth
- Edinburgh College of Art
- University of Edinburgh
- Royal School of Needlework
- University of Falmouth
- Hereford College of Arts
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Newhailes Museum
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Abergavenny
- Wales
- Vietnam
- Greece
Sources
- Dezeen —