This cutlery will become part of the permanent heritage collection of the Cutlers’ Company but also used regularly at Company dinners. It is anticipated the competition will culminate in 2116 when the Company will celebrate its 700th anniversary.

The ambitious 95-year duration of this annual competition will ultimately create an extraordinary snapshot of British design in the 21st Century and offer young designers of the future a chance to explore the delights of making such intimate everyday objects.

The competition is open to students currently on, or recently graduated from (3 years or less) any art, design or crafts course, at any college or university, studying at undergraduate, post-graduate or equivalent level. Applicants must be living in the UK for the duration of the competition.

Design a set of contemporary cutlery; consisting of a knife, a fork and a spoon.

The cutlery must be fit for purpose and applicants should take into consideration the full sensory experience of the cutlery, in form and material.

There are no restrictions on the materials or processes used, and innovative ideas are encouraged, but the judges will be looking to understand the reasoning behind all choices.

Please explain your idea and how it is achievable using communication methods of your choice – the written word, a video, drawings and prototypes are all welcomed.