Martyn Thompson

The Accidental Expressionist

Martyn Thompson is an artist embracing an aesthetic defined by the touch of the hand.

“My work evolves through experimentation, a certain curiosity and the accidents that occur along the way. Thus my working ethos ...The Accidental Expressionist.
In my creative life I have been fortunate to explore a number of different yet related mediums…..one process leading to another. I have lived in many places yet at heart I am a nester. I don’t visualise ideas in isolation. They have a home in the world around me.”

Thompson began his career designing and making clothes before deciding to document them instead, working as a fashion photographer in Sydney and Paris and later in London and New York. Over time the photographic focus broadened into the world of interiors and still life. With an idiosyncratic approach to life and style, his work is human centric and connects to the environment in ways that allow the everyday to take on an enigmatic quality.

A visual push and pull between nostalgia and now, Thompson’s signature is characterized by a tactile and painterly language: a creative polymath whose studio practice has evolved into various expressions including interior installation, textile and product design, ceramic and limited edition art.

He consults with brands to give creative direction on the areas that help shape and define a visual identity.

Commercial partners Commercially, Martyn has created photographic imagery for many of the world’s leading brands including Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Hermès and Estee Lauder and designed product for Jo Malone London, Perennials Rugs, and UK ceramics company,1882ltd.

Books and magazines Thompson has authored and photographed two books: Interiors and Working Space and his pictures have illustrated a number of published titles, including Ilse Crawford’s Sensual Home and Home is where the Heart is and the highly successful River Cafe Cookbooks. He has contributed editorial to highly respected magazines including Vogue, Vogue Living, Elle Decoration, Architectural Digest, W, The New York Times Magazine.

Awards His Accidental Expressionist collection, with British ceramics company 1882ltd, was awarded best tableware 2020 by Elle Decoration UK and his collaboration with Perennials Rugs fetched awards from Interior Design USA and Architizer A+ Jury Awards 2018 for best carpets. Thompson was also a finalist in the National Gallery of Victoria Rigg Design Prize installation.