Rethink

Designer, manufacturer, hard-headed business man, visionary thinker, engager and charismatic speaker, O.B.E., sardonic, amusingly off message - the enfant terrible of the design industry, Tom Dixon is a self-educated maverick whose only qualification is a one-day course in plastic bumper repair. These welding skills were soon put to work as Dixon explored the decorative and structural potential of recycled materials and industrial scrap. As Dixon's international reputation grew, he was approached by Italian furniture design company, Cappellini who worked to put some of his designs into major production. The "S" chair made Tom Dixon's name and now has a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Tom was Creative Director of Habitat, and largely credited for turning round their reputation. He designed Habitat's flagship store on Regent Street and still consults for them as non-exec Creative Director. Dixon has now taken ownership of the Finnish furniture brand Artek founded by Alvar Alto. Artek has played a very important role in design history and Finnish national life.