Canberra Centre & Floriade public art commission by Hannah Gason with Canberra Glassworks 2023. Photo by Ben Calvert.

Arum

Tom Fereday

showing 3 Apr to 8 Jun 2025

Smokestack Gallery | curated by Aimee Frodsham
Opening event Sat 5 Apr at 5pm

Sydney-based designer, Tom Fereday presents a solo show of glass products using his vast knowledge of manufacturing processes. The industrial nature of his designs has led to their production offshore, in environments where large-scale manufacturing supports precision, efficiency and exciting methods that aren’t available in Australia.

The Latin word for sand, arum, serves as the inspiration for Fereday’s exhibition title, celebrating the origins and the transformation of raw material into glass. The exhibition features work from his award-winning Mano and Mazer ranges.

Fascinated by the tension that lies between natural materials and contemporary design and manufacture, Tom Fereday develops unique designs originating from an intrinsic inquiry into the role of objects today. Built on the principle of honest design Tom Fereday’s work celebrates the materials and manufacture behind furniture and objects, guiding considered and thoughtful design outcomes that explore the notion of quiet innovation.

Through a holistic approach he collaborates with renowned local makers, designers and brands with the shared view that through collaboration a more meaningful and resonating result may be found. Tom Fereday works in furniture, product design and lighting with the inherent belief that technical construction, form and exhibition be considered as one.

Born in Australia, Tom Fereday grew up in London, England studying sculpture and graphic design at the Wimbledon School of Art before moving to Australia to complete an honours in Industrial Design at the University of Technology Sydney. Working across Europe and Australia Tom Fereday went on to establish his sole practice in 2012. Works have been presented and published internationally through collaborations with brands including Herman Miller, Alessi and Stellarworks and exhibited through galleries including Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Powerhouse Museum, Australian Design Centre and frequent international furniture fairs. In 2025 he was awarded the Best Furniture & Object Design at the Wallpaper Awards and the Vouge Living top 50 Australian Designers.