Tom Sutton designs and produces limited ranges and one-off items of bespoke furniture and interior accessories with an aero-organic identity.
Additionally, an emphasis on sustainability and a retro style influence are important features to his methodology.
Based in the North West of England, Tom has specialised within the world of design for the past fourteen years, working as both Designer Maker and Lecturer in Further and Higher Education. Trained as a metal smith and Furniture designer at UCLAN (University of Central LLancashire) his early work utilised fine metal skills creating one-off pieces of tableware and silverware. In contrast, early furniture pieces evolved around the use of domestic and commercial materials. This gave rise to such designs as "Squeaky Clean" a revolving chair which featured the use of a disused washing machine drum and bearings combined with shop fitting display components.
The first generation of "Ultra Glow" lamps also incorporate the same components alongside the signature washing machine door used as a light diffuser.
Initially inspired by the work of "Andy Goldsworthy" Tom used skill and experience, working predominantly with metal, to create organic based pieces with an industrial feel. This reversal of identities led to the use of broader range of material combinations employing them out of the context of their original purpose. The early work of contemporary designers such as "Ron Arad" and "Tom Dixon" which present industrial rawness, alongside the flamboyant and yet often organic inspired creations of "Philippe Stark" helped fuel the direction of development in Tom Sutton's creations.
Today, sweeping curves and fluid forms are fabricated from various materials, mostly, coloured cast concrete and powder coated steel sheet and tube. The elegance of natural form combined with the use of both industrially related and often reclaimed materials produces pieces that are suited to both the domestic and commercial environments.
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Also released is a new range of seating and side tables called "SERIES 28" designed in collaboration with acclaimed Manchester based photographer Joel Chester Fildes.
Tom's designs were most recently profiled at
DESIGN SHOW LIVERPOOL 2008
