The brief for the Stevens Architectural Glass Artist of the Year 2017 has now been released: the design and creation of three back-lit windows in the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London. Full details are available on the Glaziers’ Company website.
The competition is open to all those at an early stage in their careers. This is reflected by the stipulation that all entrants must have started their vocation in glass practice within the last eight years. Entrants must fall within one of the following categories:
• students training in glass at university, art school or college; on a further education course; or on one of the Glaziers’ Company awards
• assistants/employees of independent glass artists or commercial glass firms
• glass artists who are self-employed
• artists from abroad (following competition rules)
The following are not eligible:
• those who have studied and practised glass, from the start of their training, for more than eight years
• fellows and associates of the British Society of Master Glass-Painters.
Competition entrants are required to design a series of three back-lit windows for the RAC for installation in its gentlemen’s toilets, drawing inspiration from the Club’s iconic place in the history of motoring; and in keeping with the design and decoration of the Pall Mall Clubhouse, which, while moving with the times, has always embraced its heritage. In designing for a lavatory, Competition entrants will be referencing a notable tradition of palatial splendour in the decoration of these temples of improved sanitation, comfort and public health.
The Royal Automobile Club was formed by Frederick Simms in 1897. Originally called the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, the club was awarded a royal warrant by King Edward VII in 1907, thus changing the name to the Royal Automobile Club. The club is the oldest motoring organization in the United Kingdom and the second oldest in the world after the Automobile Club de France. Today, the Royal Automobile Club has a wide range of activities and events for a diverse and inclusive range of international members, fitting for an institution known as ‘the UK spiritual home of motoring’. The Stevens Competition entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of glass artists and designers, and the Royal Automobile Club has confirmed that funds are available to realise the winning design. The final decision about which of the entrants, if any, will receive the design commission rests entirely with the Royal Automobile Club.
The closing date for receipt of entries is Thursday 30 March 2017 at 5.00pm. The winners will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony at Glaziers Hall, London, for the Stevens Competition and other awards, on Thursday 25 May 2017.