Media Release: Dumbartonshire designer in running for top award

A YOUNG jewellery designer from Dumbartonshire has been shortlisted for the 2010 Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) Jolomo Awards taking place in Oban next month.

Anna Marion (24) founder of Oui Designs based in Bearsden is one of seven finalists whose work is being considered by John Lowrie Morrison [Jolomo] for the prestigious award and £3,000 cash prize.

The Jolomo PSYBT Awards were launched in March 2008 with the help of a £10,000 donation from Jolomo to inspire more young people with arts and crafts backgrounds living in North West Scotland and the Highlands and Islands to set up their own businesses.

This year the awards have been extended to eligible arts and crafts businesses throughout Scotland and the prize money has been increased, reflecting John Lowrie Morrison’s aspirations for encouraging creative arts in Scotland.

A furniture maker from Ayrshire, textile designer from Dundee, womenswear designer from Edinburgh, and glass sculptress from Musselburgh are among those attending the finals which are taking place at Jolomo’s Kranenburg Gallery in Oban on the 9th December 2010.

Ms Marion, who has a studio in Bearsden founded her jewellery design and silversmith business in 2009, thanks to funding and advice from PSYBT. S

pecialising in photographic jewellery, the young designer incorporates customer photos in silver cufflinks, brooches, pendants, dog tags and earrings to create the ultimate thoughtful gift.

Her most popular item is a story book on a chain which is a miniature book of fine leafs of silver incorporating photos, equivalent to a modern day locket.

The Oui Designs founder is also establishing a growing reputation in Scottish fashion circles for her large silver bodypieces for the catwalks.

She has recently designed millinery and head pieces which for fashion shows, weddings and other special occasions.

Commenting Mark Strudwick, chief executive of PSYBT, said: “Jolomo is without a doubt one of Scotland’s best loved contemporary artists and we are delighted to be joined with him in this partnership which serves to provide increased business start-up opportunities and recognition for young people in the creative arts sector in Scotland.”

Congratulating the finalists, John Lowrie Morrison said “We have been delighted by the quality of applications which was extremely high. I have been a long-term fan of PSYBT and am thrilled to be involved with them in this initiative. I hope that these awards will encourage a renewed passion for Scottish arts and crafts by showcasing the talent and creativity of Scotland’s young people.”

ENDS                                                                                                                         

For media information please contact Jen Nash, Panache Communications Tel 0141 589 0514/07971 466220/Email jen@panachecommunications.co.uk

Alternatively please contact Margaret Gibson or Emma Fitzpatrick on Tel no. 0141 248 4999 or visit the PSYBT website at www.psybt.org.uk

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PSYBT was launched in January 1989 and is a national organisation with offices in 18 regions across Scotland. To date, over 10,000 businesses involving over 12,000 proprietors have been assisted with £35.4m awarded – £31.5m in loans and £3.9m in grants.

Contact Anna Marion on 07860 40 11 99 or anna@ouidesigns.com.

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Contact: Jen Nash
Phone: 07971 466 220
Email: jen@panachecommunications.co.uk
Website: http://www.panachecommunications.co.uk