From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world.Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.Key Topics CoveredTom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makersEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward