Virtual Press Office

PRESS RELEASE

31st July 2007

SPOTLIGHT ON BRIGHTON DESIGNER

Brighton-based lighting designer Ulrika Jarl is celebrating today after picking up £4,524 of lottery funding through the Arts Council’s Grants for the arts scheme.

The funding will allow Swedish born Ulrika to start producing her latest collection of lighting and homewares, which will launch at the prestigious Top Drawer Autumn event, held in London Olympia in September.

Ulrika’s work has already attracted attention in the design world – her Romanésco pendant light has been exhibited, with the help of the British Council, around the world, culminating at the Design Museum in 2005. This unusual and striking piece is now available at Habitat stores across the country. Alexander McQueen is another admirer and customer.

From a distance the Romanésco pendant looks like a constellation of delicate seashells, but in fact the light is composed of over a hundred polyester resin casts, each one of a Romanésco cauliflower.

“My influences come from patterns and structures of nature and the rhythm and repetition of related shapes. Nature’s designs often appear uncomplicated, but contain highly complex structural elements,” explains Ulrika.

Bob Martin, Arts Council England, South East Crafts officer says: “by providing funding through grants for the arts we give makers and designers opportunities to develop their craft, explore new techniques and exhibit at internationally renowned venues. This allows craftspeople to further their careers and brings great quality work to a much wider audience.”

Closer to home, Ulrika will be showing her work at Brighton Craft Fair, the Corn Exchange between the 23rd and 25th November – just in time to pick up a unique piece for Christmas.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. For more information about Ulrika Jarl lighting and homewares please visit www.ulrikajarl.com, email Ulrika on info@ulrikajarl.com or phone her on 07773 328 919.

2. Top Drawer Autumn is at London Olympia between 9th and 11th September 2007.

3. For more information about Brighton Craft Fair go to http://www.brightoncraftfair.co.uk/

4. Arts Council England, South East is the South Eastern regional office of the national development agency for the Arts. Arts Council England works to get more art to more people in more places. We develop and promote the arts across England, acting as an independent body at arm’s length from government.


5. We believe that the arts have the power to change lives and communities, and to create opportunities for people throughout the country. For 2006-2008 we have six priorities:

• Taking part in the Arts
• Children and young people
• The creative economy
• Vibrant communities
• Internationalism
• Celebrating diversity

For more information about Arts Council England, South East contact:

Liz Barling
Communications Officer
01273 763 043

liz.barling@artscouncil.org.uk


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