Jaguar is joining forces with the RSA* to celebrate the work of some of the world's leading designers at the 2010 Royal Designers for Industry (RDI) Awards**.
The partnership is a natural fit for a brand celebrated for the designs of its cars, past and present. Jaguar's stunning new design language, developed under Design Director, Ian Callum, has been critically acclaimed and 2010 saw the completion of the new Jaguar showroom - with the all-new XJ joining the XF and XK to complete the revitalisation of the Jaguar brand.
Commenting on Jaguar's association with the RSA, Ian Callum, who himself is an RDI, said: "At Jaguar, design has led the revitalisation of our product line-up over the past three years. We consider design innovation to be one of the most important attributes for the brand and have created a new wave of beautiful and modern cars; cars that Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons would be proud of. Sir William was a man of great vision and incredible understanding of form and function so I am delighted that Jaguar is once again working with the RSA to support these awards, as Sir William himself was awarded an RDI in 1954."
Matthew Taylor, RSA Chief Executive commented: "Jaguar's pursuit of innovative design is longstanding and iconic. We are extremely grateful for their generous support and continued association with the RSA's Royal Designers. Together Jaguar and the RSA demonstrate a profound commitment to sustained design excellence and progress."
This year, Patrick Bellew (environmental engineer), Peter Clegg (architect), David Watkins (jeweller), Edward Cullinan (architect), and Sir Terence Conran (designer) will join a select group of designers who currently hold the RDI, regarded as the highest honour a designer can receive in the UK.
The ceremony takes place in London at the RSA on Thursday 25 November.
Notes to editors:
* Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
** The distinction Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) was established by the RSA in 1936 to enhance the status of designers in industry and to encourage a high standard of industrial design. It is given to practising designers who have shown sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society. Only 200 designers are able to hold the distinction RDI at any one time, there are now 133 RDIs and 56 Honorary RDIs. Members of the Faculty include Jonathan Ive, James Dyson, Vivienne Westwood, Thomas Heatherwick and Jasper Morrison.
New Royal Designers for 2010 are:
Patrick Bellew for his leadership in the field of eco-generation and his contribution to the environmental performance of buildings
Peter Clegg for social and environmental design in the UK and Africa
Edward Cullinan for his leadership in the design of buildings as a social force
Sir Terence Conran for his lifetime's work in using good design to improve the quality of life of many people
David Watkins for his education work, his link with manufacturing and his innovative use of design and materials to make jewellery more accessible
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Faye Goldstraw, Jaguar Press Officer
T: 01926 648765 / M: 07860 872224 / Email: fgoldst1@jaguar.com
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