Frame of Mind
FX invites you to see what inspires, captivates and motivates leading designers
Matt Thornley, Co-founder, Gibson Thornley Architects
MATT THORNLEY co-founded Gibson Thornley Architects with Ben Gibson in 2013, wanting to build a practice where every project received the same creative and intellectual commitment, whatever its scale. Since then, he has led projects across many different typologies, developing a particular expertise working with cultural and commercial organisations – often within very sensitive historic contexts. He is skilled at co-design and collaboration, drawing coherent, strategic design responses from multiple layers of briefing information, research and dialogue. Key projects include the V&A Photography Centre and Whitechapel Life Sciences Campus.
PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA
THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST, PROBABLY ABOUT 1437-1445
© The National Gallery, London
It’s so modern and immediate. This early use of perspective is so interesting, like looking at the cusp of a breakthrough, an idea not fully formed. The casualness of the onlookers, the dove above, it’s just a banger!
PAINTER, UNKNOWN (FOLLOWER OF REMBRANDT)
A MAN SEATED READING AT A TABLE IN A LOFTY ROOM, ABOUT 1628-38
Image: © The National Gallery, London
I love how the painting depicts space without it being explicitly shown. There is the sense of volume, activity, quietness that is all described using light and dark . The painting is simultaneously bold and delicate, I really enjoy the ripple of light through the glass. It would make a great jigsaw...
