David Huson, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) supported research fellow in the University of the West of England’s Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR), has been awarded the Saxby Medal by the Royal Photographic Society in their annual awards.
The Saxby Medal is an award for achievement in the field of three-dimensional imaging, endowed by Graham Saxby Hon FRPS in appreciation of the benefits of 50 years membership of The Society.
David has been awarded the medal for the body of work he has undertaken at UWE since 2000. This includes AHRC funded research into early photo-mechanical print techniques on ceramics and alternative substrates, and 3D rendering and printing.
He received funding in 2000-2003 from the AHRC for research entitled ‘A Practical Re-appraisal of Continuous Tone Photo-relief Printing for Ceramics and Alternative Substrates’. This project explored the potential of early photo-mechanical printmaking techniques, including the Woodburytype process for the printing for high quality photographic imagery onto ceramics and alternative substrates.
As a result of the success of this research, UWE’s 3D printing lab, led by David and Professor Steve Hoskins, director of the CFPR, was set up in 2007 with funding from the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and Science Research Investment Fund which allowed the purchase of equipment. This was followed by an AHRC grant for a project entitled ‘The Fabrication of 3 Dimensional Art and Craft Artefacts through Virtual Digital Construction and Output (2007-09), to carry out research into 3D rendering and 3D printing.
This study was undertaken from the perspective of the artist/craftsperson and sought to adapt its generic, intermediary, industrial role as a tool for creation of temporary prototypes to the production of one-off, permanent bespoke or limited edition artefacts. His current project entitled ‘Solid Free-Form Fabrication in Fired Ceramic as a Design Aid for Concept Modelling in the Ceramic Industry (2011-12)’ aims to prove the commercial viability of 3D printed ceramic bodies as a design tool for concept modelling of tableware and whiteware for the ceramic industry.
David said, “I was surprised and delighted to receive this award as it was unexpected and I am very honoured with the recognition from the Royal Photographic Society. This award reflects the expertise and dedication of the team at the CFPR.”
Dave will receive his award at a ceremony at the Royal Society on 8 September.
Further information can be found at: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/research/cfpr/staff/david_huson/dusoncurrentresearch.html
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AHRC Media contact: Jake Gilmore, Communications Manager, 01793 416021; j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk
Notes to Editors:
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Each year the AHRC provides approximately £100 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes hundreds of research awards ranging from individual fellowships to major collaborative projects as well as over 1,100 studentship awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.
Previous recipients of the Saxby award are:
1998 Professor S A Benton
1999 David Burder
2000 Professor Tung H Jeong
2001 Hans Bjelkhagen
2002 Professor Nicholas Phillips
2003 Jeff Blyth
2004 Jonathan Ross
2005 Robert Munday
2006 Steve McGrew
2007 Dayton Taylor
2008 Not given
2009 Professor Martin Richardson
2010 Dr Trevor J Maternaghan
The Macallan Royal Photographic Society Awards ceremony will take place on 8 September at the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London
Further details: http://www.rps.org/news/detail/society_news/2011_award_winners_announced