Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future: My Journey with the Tall Ships Makers Programme
Hear from Ben Durack, Course Leader for Product, Ceramics, and Jewellery at Gray's School of Art and independent Product Designer about his experience as one of the five artists in the Tall Ships Makers Programme.
Hi, I’m Ben, Course Leader for Product, Ceramics and Jewellery at Gray’s School of Art and an independent Product Designer. Being selected as one of the five makers for the Tall Ships Makers Programme has been a welcome opportunity to push my practice into new territories. The chance to explore Aberdeen’s rich shipbuilding heritage while collaborating with local industries has been both inspiring and rewarding.
A Deep Connection to Aberdeen's Shipbuilding Legacy
Having lived in Aberdeen for over a decade, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for the city’s industrial history and this project was an opportunity to take a deeper dive. I was immediately drawn to the tea clippers—an incredible period in maritime history that began in the 1840s and lasted only a few decades before steam power took over. These ships weren’t just fast; they were feats of craftsmanship and engineering, racing to bring the first tea harvest from China to London.
Of all these vessels, the Thermopylae, built in Aberdeen, stands out as a symbol of innovation and speed. It remains the fastest sail ship to date, and when I imagined pirate ships as a child, it was the Thermopylae’s towering sails and intricate wooden craftsmanship that came to mind. This connection to the Thermopylae became a driving force behind my project.
The Inspiration Behind the Carlin Collection
The inspiration for my Carlin Collection stemmed from this deep respect for Aberdeen’s shipbuilding prowess. I wanted the furniture to capture the essence of the tea clippers—their elegance, speed, and experimental spirit—while celebrating the craftsmanship and materials that defined this era. My goal was to create a range that:
- Showcases local industries and craftsmanship
- Makes a statement and evokes a sense of wonder
- Serves as a testament to the region’s heritage
- Embraces sustainable design practices
- Incorporates innovative materials
To achieve this, I collaborated with incredible local manufacturers in the North East. Highland Heritage Woods provided locally sourced elm from Seaton Park, while Reekie Steeltec offered end-to-end services for metalwork, including laser cutting, folding, and powder coating. The elm was all CNC machined right here on campus at RGU. Their expertise was instrumental in bringing my vision to life.
Pushing the Boundaries of Design
As a designer who thrives on blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools, this project was the perfect playground for experimentation. I embraced Gravity Sketch, a virtual reality 3D modelling tool, allowing me to model at a 1:1 scale and explore nearly 100 design variations before landing on a direction that captured my vision. I meticulously refined the concept through countless 3D-printed iterations at 1:4 scale and rough 1:1 prototypes to test comfort and functionality.
The process echoed the experimental spirit of the Thermopylae itself. During its time, the ship was considered “experimental” due to its pioneering composite use of wood and metal. While “experimental” was met with hesitation then, I chose to wear this term as a badge of honour throughout the project, embracing innovation at every step.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
The Tall Ships Makers Programme has been a powerful reminder that embracing discomfort and uncertainty is where the most meaningful growth happens. Pushing boundaries—whether through material choices, digital tools, or collaboration—has reaffirmed my belief that innovation happens at the intersection of tradition and technology.
Moving forward, I’m eager to stay connected with the Tall Ships as they set sail for Aberdeen as well as explore opportunities for Gray’s School of Art students to engage with this rich heritage. There’s an incredible opportunity to involve emerging designers in projects that celebrate Aberdeen’s past while innovating for the future.
A Celebration of Craft and Innovation
The Carlin Collection is a celebration of craftsmanship, local industry, and a deep-rooted connection to Aberdeen’s maritime legacy. I’m incredibly proud of what this project has achieved, and I’m excited to see how the spirit of the Thermopylae continues to inspire future makers.
The Tall Ships Races is coming back to Aberdeen for the first time since 1997 between 19-22 July 2025 for what is set out to be Europe's largest free family event. We would love to see you there! Find out more:
