26 September 2006: Tim Gee (www.timgeeceramics.co.uk), a Plymouth-based award-winning ceramicist, will be one of the big attractions at the UK's most prestigious craft fair, Origin The London Craft Fair (www.craftscouncil.org.uk), at Somerset House from 3 October until 15 October. Tim is one of twenty-nine designer-makers from the south west region, to take part in the fair, a Crafts Council initiative. Origin brings together over 300 of the most innovative and influential international design-makers to sell their work. Glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, furniture, paper, basketry, wood and textiles are all represented, making the fair a true celebration of the unique and the hand-made.

Tim Gee, 48, makes elegant translucent vessels, bowls and vases from porcelain. Born and bred in Plymouth, his designs are inspired by local nature and other natural images such as water, trees and mountains. His products range from £70 - £300 and are sold at galleries across the county such as The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Art Mill, Plymouth and Lantic Gallery, Tiverton.

Tim had been a chef for 20 years when an illness forced him to change careers. In 2000 he chose to return to education and study for a degree in Applied Arts at Plymouth College of Art and Design. Last year he won an award for Best Maker in the South West at the annual Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey.

Tim is a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, the Craft Potters Association and the Society of Designer Craftsmen. His work has been featured in several ceramic and porcelain books.

Nick Capaldi, Arts Council, England South West Executive Director, said: "Tim Gee is one of the designer-makers that make the south west region special. His work contributes to the creative industries, an area in which our region excels. Origin will provide an excellent opportunity for Tim's work to reach a wider audience and build on his fast-growing reputation amongst key influencers. We wish him every success."

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For further press information about Tim Gee and images of his work please contact:

Kallaway PR
Anna Cusden 020 7221 7883 anna.cusden@kallaway.co.uk
Jessica Blomfield 020 7221 7883jessica.blomfield@kallaway.co.uk

For further information on Origin please contact:
Louise Kelly 020 7806 2580 media@craftscouncil.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Arts Council England

• Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from Government and the National Lottery. www.artscouncil.org.uk
  
  
• The Crafts Council receives annual Arts Council funding. This year, their award is over £3 million to support core costs and other activities including education, exhibitions and market development.
  
  
• Next Move is an innovative setting up scheme run by the Arts Council and Crafts Council, designed to put new designer-makers on the fast track. It provides workspace, access to equipment, grants, training and promotion opportunities in the supportive environment of a college host over a two year period.

About Origin, The London Craft Fair

• The 300 exhibitors in Origin were selected from over 900 applicants by a specialist panel of judges. 27 makers were selected from the south west region and two south west makers will be represented in Springboard, a new exhibition for emerging craft talent at Origin where 24 of the most exciting emerging makers will show and sell their work to the public for the first time.
  
  
• Origin replaces Chelsea Crafts Fair, which was held at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London for 26 years.
  
  
• Origin will showcase over 30% more exhibitors than Chelsea Crafts Fair and will be at Somerset House, Strand, London over two weeks: 3 - 8 October 2006 and 10 - 15 October 2006 (closed Monday 9 October).
  
  
• Disciplines represented in Origin include glass, ceramics, jewellery, metal, furniture, paper, basketry, wood and textiles. All disciplines are represented over the two weeks.
  

Complete List of Designer-Makers from the South West exhibiting at Origin

Designer-Makers from the South West at Springboard:

ORIGIN VISITOR INFORMATION

Dates
Week One: 3 to 8 October 2006
Week Two: 10 to 15 October 2006
Closed Monday 9 October

Venue
Somerset House, Strand, London

Opening Times
Tuesday to Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am - 6pm
Late-night Thursday open until 9pm

Tickets
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster from 1 July
Book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0870 160 2853

Ticket Prices
Single ticket £8 (£6 concessions)
One visit in each week £12 (£10 concessions)
Season pass (unlimited entry) £15

Further Information
www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin
020 7806 2512

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