Art.TM
Edward Marshall Trust
Registered Charity No. 1034660
The Edward Marshall Trust was established in 1993 and has objects to promote the cutting edge of contemporary craft and design. Its broad aims are to sponsor progressive ideas and action in the fields of design, design philosophy, craftsmanship and the creation and production of useable objects, the qualities of which will help to redefine and invigorate our common culture. The Trust seeks to encourage intellectual vitality which expresses itself without the label of "art for art's sake".
The Trust was set up by his close family, friends and colleagues, in memory of Edward Marshall, a young designer/maker who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1992 within weeks of gaining an MA in Furniture Design from the Royal College of Art.
An Award is given biennially to a project which seeks to advance contemporary culture in the fields of craft and design and is normally given towards funding for innovative design for functional items, particularly furnishings. The Trustees look for forward looking projects in which their funding will make a real difference and in which the Trustees themselves can become active partners in developing and promoting the award winning project.
In 1995, a competition was run with the Crafts Council for a prototype chair for the Crafts Council's new lecture theatre in London. The winners, Rob Melville and James Cannon, were commissioned by the Crafts Council to supply 80 chairs.
In 1996, the award was for the design and furnishing of an Art Data Centre for Oriel in Cardiff. Tejo Remy, the young Dutch designer was selected for the commission.
In 1997 art.tm, formerly the Highland Printmakers Workshop, was given the award to support commissions for eight designers and craftspeople as part of a complete refurbishment of the premises to create three new galleries. The Trust also gave substantial 'in kind' benefits.
In 1999/2000 the Trust gave the award to The Earth Centre for a European Competition, 'Furniture and the Future' - a creative response to sustainable furniture. At the time of writing (April 2000), the project is at the shortlisting and prototype stage.
