Professor of Design and Design history part of BBC 4 documentary

Paul Atkinson, professor of design and design history spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield [listen again from 2:18] about his part in tonight’s BBC 4 documentary about a group of makers and players of cigar box guitars.

The half-hour film, Cigar Box Blues – The Makers of a Revolution, directed by Virginia Heath, Professor of Film, and written by Paul Atkinson, Professor of Design and Design History, portrays the passionate makers and players of cigar box guitars. Many of these craftsmen and musicians are from post-industrial British towns, and have created a self-identity through making these unique three-stringed guitars. Born from the blues, their simple, low cost, ‘no rules’ approach means anyone can try their hand.