Graduate Profile: Harriet Speed

This series of posts profiles graduates from a wide selection of design degree courses, and today we are thrilled to introduce you to Harriet Speed.  

Harriet Speed will graduate with a Furniture Design Foundation Degree from Rycotewood.

 

We asked Harriet to tell us more about her Hinny design:  ‘HINNY is an interactive chair that encourages children and adults to read together. The design aims to revive libraries by reclaiming them as playful spaces. The design explores the contrast between soft curves and angular shaping in a friendly, equine form. The four-legged structure encourages a more exciting seating experience.’

Harriet is certainly showing why she is a one-to-watch, as alongside her course work she has founded This Girl Makes.  THIS GIRL MAKES is an inclusive design blog that celebrates female designer-makers with the aim of promoting the furniture and craft industries to young people. As well as this, it is a friendly and open community that encourages collaboration and emerging talent across the art, craft and design disciplines.

Harriet explained that: ‘I am passionate about furniture and feel fortunate to have found a degree course that encourages my enthusiasm for making. I want to use my privileged position to encourage young people, particularly other women to enter into the furniture and craft industries.’

When asked about her future plans said: ‘Having completed a foundation degree in Furniture Design and Make at Rycotewood College this Summer, I plan to continue onto their BA and pursue a career as an independent designer-maker.’

You can see Harriet’s work at the Rycotewood End of Year Show on Monday 19th June (private view from 6pm) until Saturday 24th June (finishes at 2pm) at City of Oxford College.  You can also find her at The Graduate Show on the 6th July at the Furniture Maker’s Hall in London.

Please do show your support for This Girl Makes on Facebook here and read the blog here, you can also follow Harriet’s design work on Facebook here.