MP backs Cumbrian manufacturing in ‘Made by Britain’ scheme

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has nominated local artist Michael Eden from Milnthorpe, and his Wedgwoodn't Tureen, as our area's entry into the 'Made by Britain' campaign which aims to boost UK arts and manufacturing.

160 years since Prince Albert unveiled the hugely successful Great Exhibition of 1851, as a celebration of modern industrial technology, business secretary Vince Cable wants a 'virtual Crystal Palace' to end what he perceives as the serious problems faced by manufacturing industry. Two weeks ago Cable launched the so-called 'Made by Britain' project with details of the initial nominations from 40 MPs - Tim was one of the first MPs to nominate. The tureen was made by Michael Eden in 2010 and acquired by the Crafts Council Collection in the same year.

Eden brings together traditional ceramic craft skills and digital technology including 3D printing, additive layer manufacturing and non-fired ceramic materials.

Eden took an iconic object from the Industrial Revolution - a Wedgewood tureen - and re-designed it using Computer Aided Design. His knowledge of ceramics enabled him to rapid manufacture the piece from a plaster and gypsum material to which a non-fired ceramic coating was applied.

Tim said: "The Wedgwoodn't Tureen is a brilliant example of the adaptation of traditional craft and forms to the latest available industrial process. 3D printing technology is set to revolutionise the way we make things, and this is an excellent demonstration of the sophistication of production we can achieve in Britain today."