TOM BARDEN STUDIO
I am a visual arts and history enthusiast based in London. You can explore many of my current and previous projects on this site including a range of themes such as watercolour, photography, writing and exhibition curation.
I am a person who enjoys creative experimentation through many different mediums. If I can set myself a creative challenge, perhaps something I’ve never done before, then I often jump at the chance.
The main purpose of my creative work is centred around the phrase, ‘How hard can it be?‘, and often I find that whatever it is I’m doing is quite hard. This is all part of the fun and challenge of what I enjoy doing - creation and experimentation.
Current Projects
I often have a creative project on the go, whether it be artistic, woodworking, a written project or something else entirely. Every now and again one will get completed. More often than not they get set aside for another year. See below to explore what I am currently working on - it may be the start of something epic!
historical fiction book
This project follows on from my Creating Futures historical exhibition at Waltham Forest College. Using the research I have already completed, combined with a much deeper exploration of the personalities at the South-West Essex Technical College during World War 2, it follows two separate stories that eventually converge.
One story follows Principal Harry Lowery as he navigates running the college during World War 2. The second follows the history of technical education in the United Kingdom, starting with Bernhard Samuelson MP.
This is a research-heavy project which will most likely take years to fully realise. I’ve started strong but need to keep up the momentum.
Wooden Garden Display Feature
I’ve only recently become interested in working with wood and, until now, haven’t had the inspiration for something I can properly sink my teeth into. That changed when I went to an antique centre and saw a garden display unit that looked amazing with an equally amazing price (expensive!).
Naturally, as someone who likes to try new things and usually jumps in thinking, 'How hard can it be?’, I decided to build my own. I own the tools, I’ve drawn up the plans (see above) and now I’ve bought the wood. All I need to do now is build it!