ERIC CLEMENTS
Designer and silversmith Eric Clements was born in Rugby in 1925 and is regarded as one of the most influential 20th century designers and teachers associated with Birmingham. He began his education at the Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby and went on to train as a designer at Birmingham College of Art. Eric’s studies were interrupted by military service from 1943-47 when he joined the Gordon Highlanders and then the Royal Army Education Corps; he then continued his training at the Royal College of Art, London. Eric worked as a senior lecturer at the School of Silversmithing and Jewellery in Birmingham until 1954 when he became the Head of the School of Industrial Design at Birmingham College of Art and Design. From 1973 he became Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design then Assistant Director at Wolverhampton Polytechnic until 1985. Eric received a scholarship from both the English Speaking Union and the Ford Foundation, USA for design education. He has been an external examiner, assessor and validator and was on the Council for National Academic Awards from 1964. He was also a Business and Technician Education Council Moderator. Design commissions since 1950 include work for HM the Queen, the Government and universities (including Aston).
Aston University Alumni Magazine Issue 14 Autumn 2004, p.8