Tom Sutton

Tom is an Assistant Teaching Professor within the School of the Arts, primarily teaching on the BA(hons) Textiles and Surface Design Course. Formerly trained as a Fine Metal Smith and Furniture Designer Maker with an undergraduate diploma in 3-Dimensional Design, he has gathered twenty-five years of underpinned knowledge and experience pursuing a portfolio career within the creative industries and education.

Primarily a practitioner, Tom has undertaken a range of commissioned and collaborative projects working with fine silver, furniture, lighting, surface pattern and interiors. He has exhibited his work across the UK and Europe since the mid-nineties at galleries and events including London Design Festival and Maison et Objet. In addition to developing his own collections, he was also a founding director of 5ml whom, between 2010 and 2014 promoted new creative talent alongside established designer makers at international design events.

Underpinned knowledge gained within both fields has contributed towards a range of transferrable skills including a comprehensive understanding of digital surface design processes and graphic visualisation using Adobe design software. This has been employed through freelance practice for The Vintage Clothing Company and Pop Boutique alongside commissioned work for corporate and private clients. In turn, underpinned knowledge and industry experience continue to be disseminated through all academic channels informing the importance of professional practice and entrepreneurship in combination with creative acumen.

Alongside his teaching responsibilities, Tom is working towards his doctorate studies exploring post