Martyn Thompson · Working Space

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson -  these shots depict the workspace of Dinosaur Designs.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

OK I know there has been a bit of a deluge of book-related posts here in recent weeks - it's always the case at this time of year, October is a big month for pre-Christmas book releases!  Today we have another absolute GEM to share, Working Space - a rich, visual title from NYC based Australian photographer Martyn Thompson, and published by Hardie Grant. Martyn Thomson discovered photography in a roundabout way some 25 years ago, when he began shooting for the avant-garde fashion label he was designing in Sydney at the time. He has since relocated to New York (via London and Paris, as you do) and built an impressive reputation, having shot for respected international publications including Architectural Digest, W, The New York Times Magazine, British Vogue and Elle Decoration UK.  His client list is even more impressive, and includes Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Hermès, MAC cosmetics and many more.  Martyn balances these commercial clients with his own photographic art practice - he exhibits his large scale photographs regularly, and has staged solo shows in London, Sydney and New York since 1995. Working Space is Martyn's second book, and presents stunning photographic documentation of the studios and work spaces of some of the world's most inspiring creatives, in a variety of fields.  These include big name international artists such as Cindy Sherman, and local heroes such as Australian design duo Stephen Ormandy and Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs.  An inspired and slightly more unexpected local inclusion are Martyn's recent acquaintances Harry Levy and Patrick Casey, who have pooled resources to open what Martyn calls a 'super cute hair shop' in Sydney's Redfern, which apparently also serves an excellent cup of coffee! 'This book is really about loving what you do and finding a space in your life to be creative' says Martyn. 'I’m looking at different work environments and different concepts of work, it’s not always about how you earn your living – I’m a big believer in craft as the great healer, and the importance of doing something you love as all or a part of your work practice'. Working Space is a visual feast, documenting diverse creative spaces from London to Paris, Berlin, New York and Sydney - even an ashram in Pondicherry, India!  Offering a voyeuristic peek into the incredible workspaces of some of the world's most influential creatives, this book is the kind of juicy, aspirational title that instantly transports the reader into another world.  Another one for the Christmas wishlist! Working Space by Martyn Thompson launched earlier this month and can now be found in all good Australian bookshops.  It's hardback, 256 pages and priced at AU$69.95.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.

Working Space by Martyn Thompson.  Photos of book by Eve Wilson.