Jonathan shows he’s no mug at design

Dec 4 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A YOUNG entrepreneur says his latest creation is great for a house of tea lovers.

Jonathan Aspinall, a recent graduate of Northumbria University’s designers in residence programme (DiR), has developed Link Mugs – an ingenious solution to the common predicament of trying to carry as many mugs as possible without a tray.

Link Mugs are not the young entrepreneur’s only novel creation.

He has also made ‘childproof’ round bottomed vases that refuse to fall over and health conscious spoons that are cut in half to reduce sugar or salt content by only allowing you half a normal spoonful, and light up pins to make it impossible to miss important messages.

Jonathan, said: “An elegantly formed cross on the side of each mug fits neatly into the next, forming a self-supporting row of up to six mugs, so there is no need for a tray, no mess and absolutely no fuss.

“The inspiration for all my designs comes from looking at domestic issues that we face on a daily basis and aiming to create products that save time, effort and improve people’s health in our busy lives.

“I owe a great deal of my success to Northumbria University. Not only have they provided me with expert business advice, they have subsidised all trips and exhibition space, including the New Designers exhibition in London.”

Roger Candy, business partnerships manager at Northumbria University, said: “Jonathan’s creativity for designing innovative products useful in everyday life is outstanding. He is bound to go from strength to strength, having just started the DiR scheme.

“DiR is a hothouse scheme designed to nurture the brightest and best in new design talent. It will provide invaluable support to Jonathan in terms of providing access to workspace, materials, equipment, on-site mentoring and an important two-year breathing space to further hone his business and design skills, making for a smooth transition from student to successful designer.”