Edinburgh’s talented young craftspeople gain an international platform. Four up-and-coming young Edinburgh craftspeople will show off their work in two major international exhibitions in Munich next March.

Glass artist Hannah Cridford, ceramist Ben Murdock and Andrea Walsh, who works with both clay and glass, have been selected to represent Scotland alongside their peers from 26 other countries in Talente, the premier showcase for outstanding young makers under 30.

Also Munich-bound is jeweller Lynne Murray, currently working as an artist-in-residence at Edinburgh College of Art, who has been invited to show her jewellery in Schmuck, an annual event which brings together contemporary work in this field from around the world. Lynne has only recently completed her studies, graduating in June 2003.

Helen Bennett, the Scottish Arts Council Head of Crafts, said ‘ International recognition at the beginning of their professional practice is a major achievement for these four young artists. It is an indication of the quality of the contemporary design and making skills of the new generation of Scottish craftspeople’.

All four are based in Edinburgh and are graduates of Edinburgh College of Art. Professor Ian Howard, Principal of the College, commented: ‘Edinburgh College of Art is delighted to hear of the success of our four graduates at such an early stage in their careers. The college is proud to have so many graduates representing Scottish art & design at the Talente and Schmuck exhibitions in Munich and we wish them every success at these prestigious events’.


The Scottish Arts Council champions and sustains the arts for Scotland, investing £60 million from Scottish Executive and National Lottery funding to support and develop artistic excellence and creativity throughout Scotland. Further information is available on our website: www.scottisharts.org.uk.