Can Tragedy exist in painting? Does Tragedy exist today? Is History painting an anachronism? Is narrative in painting bankrupt? These are the central questions that drive Tom de Freston’s paintings.

Tom’s work has focused extensively on Shakespeare’s plays, Milton’s Paradise Lost and most recently on conflict. Within this has been a focus on grand themes- grief, eroticism, violence and death.

Tom’s ideas emerge from a strong and creative dialogue with a range of other disciplines, in particular theatre, literature and academia.



Contact Tom de Freston:

tasd2@cam.ac.uk | 07966 025 099

CV

Over the last few years Tom has held numerous prestigious positions- the Leverhulme Artist in Residence at Cambridge University, the Levy Plumb Artist in Residence at Christ’s College and the Artist in Residence at the Leys School. Five monographs have been published on his work, with a long list of important figures publishing articles on his work; including Sir Nicholas Serota, the Hon. Rowan Williams, Ruth Padel, Dr. Caroline Vout and Sir Trevor Nunn.

Tom’s exhibition record is extensive, with a number of London solo shows and numerous solo shows in Cambridge at prestigious venues. On Easter Sunday 2011 two new altarpieces by de Freston were installed at Christ’s College Chapel to mark the 500th Anniversary of the spaces consecration. The installation received wide coverage, including leading articles in the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times.

Professional Experience

  • September 2010- Awarded Leverhulme Artist in Residence- Cambridge University.
  • July 2010 onwards- British Shakespeare Association commission for 2011 annual conference
  • October 09 onwards: History of Art Faculty, Cambridge University: Supervisor and part time lecturer.
  • October 09 onwards: The Leys School- Artist in residence
  • October 08-September 09: Christ’s College,  Cambridge- Levy Plumb Visual Arts Residency-
  • September 07-July 08: Warwickshire School of Arts- Senior lecturer and tutor

Education

  • 05-07 Cambridge University. St. Edmunds College – Cantab, History of Art Ma Hons
  • 02-05 LMU – Fine Art Ba Hons
  • 01-02 Warwickshire College – Foundation, Btec Diploma in Art and Design. Distinction
  • 99-01 Arden Lawn School – A Levels. AAB

Exhibitions: see exhibitions section

Publications: see reviews or publications section

Lecturing

Tom has lectured, run workshops and taught extensively; including lecturing/supervising for the History of Art Department Cambridge University and for developing and running a series of workshops for the Saatchi Gallery.