Inaugural Jon Bannenberg Scholar Announced

This scholarship is generously supported by super-yacht design studio Bannenberg & Rowell Design in memory of Jon Bannenberg, founder of the business. The award covers two years' tuition fees for a student from the School of Design who demonstrates exceptional talent in drawing.

Jack explained what receiving the scholarship has meant to him: ‘The scholarship is important to both myself and my family as they were supporting me to follow my ambitions at the College and making their own sacrifices in the process. It has allowed me to embrace the whole experience without feeling the financial weight on my shoulders as profoundly. Knowing that my work has been recognised and appreciated has given me a great sense of justification for my ability.’ 

Jack graduated with a First Class BA Honours degree in Automotive Design from Coventry University in 2014. Before coming to the RCA, he was working in the aviation industry designing premium interiors including a business class seat that will be flying later this year.

‘Coming to the RCA was always an ambition of mine, but I'd often considered it impractical financially to make the step,’ Jack explained. ‘This humble building is full of character and a great atmosphere to work in with fantastic views of the city around us. Plus, I have already met a great network of artists, designers and tutors, many of whom I now consider friends. I am developing day by day, project by project to get to the level I need to be at by the time I leave; to be able to get my foot in the door in a very competitive but rewarding industry.’

The Jon Bannenberg scholarship identifies excellence in drawing, because drawing was an important communication tool for Bannenberg himself. His son Dickie explains: ‘Many times, Jon would draw for his clients round the breakfast or dinner table, upside down if necessary, and this scholarship will look to encourage that increasingly rare skill by placing great weight on drawing ability.’

Drawing is already an integral part of Jack’s practice, as he explains: ‘Drawing is so important to transport design practice, as it always has been and always will be the quickest way to quickly explain an idea, solution, surface detail, scale and context of a product. It is the best way for a designer to show emotion and thought in their work without the need for words. A great sketch or rendering can give you so much information and sell the concept to a director or potential client before the need for full investment in CAD and physical models.’

The RCA is delighted that Bannenberg & Rowell Design is supporting a student. Gifts such as this allow exceptional students to reach their full potential and enable the College to offer students, no matter their background or circumstance, the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate degree.