London Design Medal 2010: Thomas Heatherwick

2010 | Thomas Heatherwick was awarded the 2010 Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to design. The 2010 London Design Medal was presented by Sir John Sorrell, Chairman of the London Design Festival, at a dinner at London's Andaz Hotel, the official hotel partner for the Festival.

Ben Evans, Festival Director said:

"Thomas Heatherwick is a designer who defies definition whether he is working in in the fields of architecture, product design, sculpture and urban planning. He has developed a considerable reputation for his practice, creating a range of extraordinary objects and buildings; from rolling bridges to seaside cafes to spinning chairs. His stunning British Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo demonstrates to the world that British design is innovative, creative and good for business. 

Heatherwick was chosen by a prestigious judging panel which includes Tony Chambers Editor-in-Chief, Wallpaper* magazine; Ilse Crawford Creative Director and founder StudioIlse; Brent Hoberman Founder mydeco.com; Mark Jones Director, Victoria & Albert Museum; Munira Mirza The Mayor's Advisor for Arts and Culture; Gwyn Miles Director of Somerset House Trust; Alice Rawsthorn Journalist, design critic for International Herald Tribune; Chris Sanderson Strategy and Insight Director, The Future Laboratory;  Sir Paul Smith Designer and winner of the 2009 London Design Medal; Paul Thompson Rector, Royal College of Arta and Peter Wallis Chairman of SRU. Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans were on the panel in a non-judging capacity.

Thomas Heatherwick commented:

"It's a huge honour and a great surprise to be given the London Design Medal.  London is the city I was born and brought up in; an endlessly exciting mish-mash of a place that inspires me and my team in the projects we do."

The London Design Medal is specially designed by Pentagram. The recipient is selected by a panel of eminent figures in the world of design and the creative industries.