BACKGROUND



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.





Recent projects include a vintage inspired floor lamp for "POP" a retro Fashion and Accessories company.

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

POP RETRO Floor Lamp



POP RETRO - Copyright Tom Sutton ©2008
Floor lamp with authentic 60's fabric shade and reclaimed hardwood legs.
This design was commissioned by "POP" - Retro Fashion and Accessories company.

SERIES 28 Bar Stool


SERIES 28 - Copyright Tom Sutton 2008
Series 28 bar stools are hand fabricated steel box section frames and have upholstered vinyl seats. Powder coated finish.

Series 28 is a brand new exclusive range of seating and side tables which where designed in collaboration with acclaimed Manchester based photographer Joel Chester Fildes. This collection premiered at Design Show Liverpool 2008.

SERIES 28 Ocasional Tables




SERIES 28 - Copyright Tom Sutton 2008
These occasional side tables have a steel top box section frames and feature authentic 70's tiled or vinyl tops. Metal surfaces have a powder coated finish.
Series 28 is a brand new exclusive range of seating and side tables which where designed in collaboration with acclaimed Manchester based photographer Joel Chester Fildes. This collection premiered at Design Show Liverpool 2008.



ULTRA GLOW Floor Lamp

ULTRA GLOW - Copyright Tom Sutton 2008
Floor Lamp with a cast concrete base, tubular steel armature and a sandblasted diffuser. Illuminated with low voltage truecolour halogen bulb.

SCOOP Armchair

SCOOP Armchair - Copyright Tom Sutton 2008
Bespoke hand formed steel armchair, powder coated finish.

DROPLET Shelves



Droplet Shelf Copyright Tom Sutton ©2008

The DROPLET System is fashioned from handformed steel to create shelving with modular capablities. Available in pairs or in multiple quantities, you employ your own creative skills and display your collection of Droplets to arrange bespoke works of wall art or contemporary storage solutions. Combine Droplets with Cells to create more complex arrangements.
Powder coated finish - available in a range of colours upon request.
Magenta and ivory Droplets



SILVER AGE TOM



Inspired by the work of ‘Andy Goldsworthy’ early work by Tom Sutton was heavily influenced by the natural world and the organic forms within it. Specialising as both a Metal smith and Furniture Designer gave Tom the opportunity to express his creative skills through both small and large scale pieces. Silverware pieces developed along two paths looking into the feminine and masculine forms within nature.




Lily bowl 1994



Predominantly thorn like shapes fuelled tableware pieces, a form that would carry through to larger furniture pieces. As the work progressed lily buds were introduced into the design development bringing a softer elegance to the work.







Bud teapot and milk jug 1999








Furniture pieces carried the same organic influenc
e yet experimented with far less conventional materials. Tom moved away from working with fine metals and instead employed the use of recycled and industrial materials such as steel, concrete and salvaged components from domestic appliances. Applauding the early works of Ron Arad and Tom Dixon with it’s Post Holocaust identity, Tom embraced this inspiration and developed a range of sustainable furniture and lighting which amalgamated industrial and organic influences.


Squeaky Clean 1994




As within his silverware pieces, high quality finish was always a dominating element of his furniture work . Hand finishing coloured cast concrete and sand-blasting glass washing machine doors are just two examples of how Tom enhanced the appearance of the elements within his furniture. The use of recycled, sustainable and industrial materials within an alternative context to how they are commonly recognised and then presented to a high standard continues to fuel the ongoing development of Aero-Organic Design.


Cast bronze cutlery 1998


Colour Casting Concrete

Both generations
of Ultra Glow lighting use a cast concrete base as support. Early lamps had a solid base, not only did this make them increadibly heavy but also meant that an external transformer had to be used for the light. The next generation used a hollow cast base eleaviating both problems. The concrete is cast into a two part plaster mold with a male component to allow for hollow casting. The mix is made dry to 2:1:1 ratio (2 sand, 1 cement, 1 chippings), I favor 4mm chippings used to pebble dash the masonary walls of buildings. The mix is separated whilst dry and different cement dyes are added. The separated mixes are then mixed with water and added to the mold in various amounts until the mold is full. The mold is left for approximately 12 hours and then parted to reveal the concrete cast. Whilst the cast is still green and curing I fine finish the shape with palm sanders and coarse gritted cloths, working up the grades. When finally cured the cast is finished with a silicone based water sealer ready to be drilled for the steel armatures.






Ultra Glow I 1994









CELL Shelving System

CELLS - Copyright Tom Sutton ©2008
Modular CELLS are available in sets of three. Fashioned from hand formed steel, this adaptable system provides a contemporary style solution to display. You get to to use your own creative skills choosing how to display your Cells to create a bespoke piece of wall art or contemporary storage solution.






Cells can also be combined with Droplets to create multiple storage solutions.Powder coated and available in a range of colours upon request.










Orange and green Cells













Red and Magenta Cells.