A talented design student from Kensington and Chelsea College served up a ceramic treat for diners at a famous East London restaurant.
Inspired by a project she was set in class Mei Kwin-Wong, who is studying on the college’s Professional Development Designer Makers Course approached Michelin starred restaurant Viajante with a proposal to re-design their dining ware.
Won over by her creativity, restaurant founder and Patron Chef Nuno Mendes set the budding ceramicist a brief. Several meetings, prototypes and samples later Mei had found her winning designs.
She produced more than 50 pieces for Viajante which was recently included in the 2013 San Pellegrino’s World’s Best Restaurants list.
Praising Mei, Nuno Mendes said: “Many chefs aspire to have plates that are tailor made for them so that they have the right vehicle to convey what they are presenting on the plate. The collaboration between Mei and Viajante has been a very successful one because it starts with an idea conveyed by us about our needs and she takes an artistic interpretation of this, so it is the best of both worlds. It’s very important that when you set out to have a collaboration, the visions of both sides need to be realised for it to be successful. I think we have achieved this with Mei.”
Mei added: “I’m incredibly happy to have been given this opportunity and I’m pleased that Nuno loved the designs! It was really touching when I had a meal at the restaurant and it was served on my plates. The commission was inspired by a course project set by my tutor and it has been an invaluable experience.”
Speaking about her course the talented ceramicist, who hopes to one day have her own studio and business, said: “I learnt a lot of new techniques thanks to my course and brilliant tutors. They really know their stuff! The class is also really inspiring as we all have different styles and gain ideas from each other.”
Kensington and Chelsea College enjoys a high-profile reputation for excellence in Creative Arts, and has a successful student alumni which includes Turner prize nominee Spartacus Chetwynd.
Mei is also one of 15 designers at the college who will be showcasing their work at ‘New Designers 2013’ which brings together the very best graduating designers from around the country and gives them a platform to show case their work to industry employers, media and the design hungry public.
New Designers takes place at the Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, and runs from June 26-29 and July 3-6. Kensington and Chelsea College can be found on
Stand Number CAA28 from June 27-29.
For more information about the college’s art and design courses visit www.kcc.ac.uk/art-and-design/
