Biography
Born in Sydney, Australia in 1963, Marc Newson has remained at the forefront of global design for over four decades. An internationally celebrated industrial designer, Newson’s innovative practice continues to embrace a remarkable breadth and complexity—from furniture, marine, automotive, and aviation design, to architectural projects, timepieces, luxury goods, jewellery and fine-art installations. Recognised for his boundary-defying approaches to materials, techniques and processes, Newson's signature aesthetic—often governed by purity of form and bold colour—has led to some of the most iconic works of design in the postmodern period. Indicative of a longstanding preoccupation with the dynamics of human connectivity and progressive, novel techniques, Newson derives profound gratification from solving problems across wildly divergent fields of expertise. Newson has lived and worked across the world, journeying from Sydney to Tokyo, then to Paris and finally London, where he established Marc Newson Limited in 1997. Marc Newson’s practice continues to operate from its central London Studio.
Portrait by Phil Poynter
Newson studied Fine Art at Sydney College of the Arts (now part of Sydney University), specialising in silversmithing and jewellery-making. Securing an Australian Crafts Council grant in 1986, Newson staged his first solo exhibition at the age of 23. Newson’s early work, hand-made in his Sydney workshop, focused on furniture and timepieces. Notable designs from this period include the LC1 (1986), Super Guppy Lamp and Pod of Drawers (1987), along with the Embryo Chair and Wood Chair (1988); the latter remaining in production since their inception.
By the age of 25, Newson had created an iconic contemporary design piece: the Lockheed Lounge (1988)—a riveted aluminium chaise longue, with a liquid-like continuity of form. The Lockheed Lounge has since set four world-records at auction for a work created by a living designer. Newson’s design pieces remain in high demand on the secondary market, regularly featuring at major Contemporary Design auctions.
Newson has fostered longstanding relationships with numerous prestigious brands. This list includes Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Hermès, Nike, Dom Pérignon, Ford, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Swarovski and Ferrari. In 2021, Newson delivered M/Y Solaris (11,250 GT, 140 m), his first complete Superyacht (exterior and interior) design, and is currently completing the total design of the Superyacht, Nausicaä (6,500 GT, 114.2 m).
Alongside his London Studio, Newson has held other positions of significance. He acted as Creative Director of Qantas Airways from 2005-2015, and was appointed Designer for Special Projects at Apple—a position marking his critical involvement in the design of the ‘Apple Watch’. In 2019, Marc and Sir Jonathan Ive founded the creative collective LoveFrom.
Newson is the only industrial designer represented by the Gagosian Gallery, and is also represented in Paris by Galerie kreo, who are currently in the process of compiling his catalogue raisonné. Numerous solo retrospective exhibitions of Newson’s work have been hosted by leading museums around the world. In addition to these ongoing temporary shows, Newson’s work has also entered the permanent collections of many major museums. These include The Museum of Modern Art and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (New York), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Design Museum and V&A Museum (London), Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Pompidou and Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris), Vitra Design Museum (Weil am Rhein), Museum Angewandte Kunst (Frankfurt), Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, Museu do Design e da Moda (Lisbon), Israel Museum (Jerusalem), Powerhouse Museum (Sydney), the National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne), and the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra).
As a long-term supporter of (RED)—the charity co-founded by Bono—Newson, together with Ive, curated a major design auction in 2013, raising a staggering $46 million (USD) for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Following this, Newson has worked with clients to turn several of his designs ‘red’ in support of the charity.
Newson’s work has been featured in numerous books and publications internationally. There are four monographs to date, most notably the encyclopaedic Marc Newson Works 84-24 published by Taschen (2024). Newson has been the subject of radio and television programmes, including interviews on PBS, Charlie Rose, BBC’s Imagine ‘Marc Newson Urban Spaceman’, Objects of Desire on Sky Arts, and ‘Objectified’, a documentary film by Gary Hustwit. In 2013, Newson spoke at TEDxSydney, and each year since 2011 he has joined the judging committee at Cartier Style et Luxe, Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Newson has been included in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and has received numerous industry awards and distinctions. He holds Honorary Doctorates from Sydney University and the Royal College of Art, has held Adjunct Professorships at Sydney University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and was appointed RDI (Royal Designer for Industry) by the Royal Society of Arts. In 2012, he was awarded CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Design Awards
2020-
2025
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Watercraft
Flite, Flite x Marc Newson
The Australia Foundation Trust, UK
Australian of the Year in the UK
2024
Good Design Award, Australia
Product Design: Sports and Lifestyle, Gold Award
Flite, Flite x Marc Newson
Good Design Award, Australia
Product Design: Sports and Lifestyle, Best in Class
Flite, Flite x Marc Newson
International Design Excellence Awards, USA
Silver Award, Sports, Leisure & Recreation
Flite, Flite x Marc Newson MN60 Wave
T3 Awards, UK
Design Award, Active in association with Wallpaper*
Swarovski Optik, AX Visio
2023
Top Awards Asia, Japan
Packaging Design
Shiraiwa, IWA 5 Sake
Muse Award, USA
Transportation Design - Watercraft
Fliteboard, MN Series eFoil
Good Design Award, Australia
Australian Design Prize
Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, USA
Best Design North America
Knoll, Newson Task
2022
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Bath and Accessories
Drummonds, Coln Bathtub
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Sports and Recreation
Swarovski Optik, CL Curio 7X21
Grands prix du Design, Canada
Product Design in Small Series & Hand Made: Lighting Fixture
Meljac, Solaris Switch Plates
Interior Design Magazine, USA
Best of Year Winners
Knoll, Newson Task
LivingEtc Style Awards, UK
Best Bathroom Collection
Drummonds, Marc Newson Collection
NYCxDesign Awards, USA
Sinks and Tubs
Drummonds, Coln Collection
2021
International Design Award, USA
Home Interior Product-Switches, Temperature Control Systems
Meljac, Solaris Switch Plates
Good Design Award, Australia
Product, Sport and Lifestyle
R.M. Williams, Yard Boot 365
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Product Design
Meljac, Solaris Switch Plates
2020
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Product Design
Louis Vuitton, Horizon Soft Luggage
Muuus International Awards, France
Meljac, Solaris Switch Plates
Muse Award, USA
Footwear
R.M. Williams, Yard Boot 365
2010-2019
2019
Design Guild Mark, UK
Excellence in Design in the British Furnishing Industry
Knoll, Newson Aluminium Chair
2018
Metropolis Likes x NYC Design Award, USA
Knoll, Newson Aluminium Chair
HiP Design Award
Workplace: Guest Seating
Knoll, Newson Aluminium Chair
2017
Salon del Mobile Milan, Italy
The Design Prize, Lifetime Achievement Award
2016
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Product Design
Montblanc, Montblanc M
The DFNI Americas Awards for Travel-Retail Excellence
Best New Product Launch
Hennessy, James Hennessy Decanter
2015
GQ Man of the Year, UK
Creative Icon
2014
Good Design Award, Australia
Good Design of the Year
Caroma, Marc Newson Collection
Good Design Award, Australia
Architecture and Interiors, Good Design Selection
Stormtech, Slimline Linear Drain 64MND
Design Hall of Fame, Design Institute Australia,
Services to Design in Australia
German Design Award, Germany
Special Mention
Caroma, Marc Newson Collection
Wallpaper* Design Award, UK
Domeau & Pérès, Bumper Bed
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Best of the Best
Palm Products, Unbreakable Drinkware
2013
Philadelphia Museum of Art, USA
Collab Design Excellence Award
China Home Trends Award, China
Magis, Bunky
International Contemporary Furniture Fair, USA
ICFF Editors Award, Kitchen and Bathroom for Best Design
Stormtech, MND Series
2012
German Design Award, Germany
Gold Prize
Pentax, K-01
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Product Design
Pentax, K-01
2011
Lucky Strike Design Award, Germany
Lifetime Achievement
2010
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Smeg, Kitchen Appliances
The Design Awards, UK
The Lifetime Achievement Award
2000-2009
2009
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Qantas, A380 First Class Suite
Australian Design Award, Australia
Australia Standards, Overall Winner
Qantas, A380
Australian Design Award, Australia
Australia Standards
Qantas, A380 Economy Seat
Condé Nast Traveller Innovation and Design Award, USA
Aviation
Qantas, A380
Wallpaper* Design Award, UK
Smeg, Kitchen Appliances
2008
GQ Man of the Year, Germany
Design
London Design Festival, UK
London Design Medal
Skytrax World Airline Award, UK
Best First Class Lounge
Qantas, First Class Lounge, Sydney
Australian International Design Award, Australia
Furniture, Lighting, Public Space
Qantas, First Class Lounge, Sydney
2007
The LEAF Award, UK
International Interior Design
Qantas, First Class Lounge, Sydney
Travel & Leisure Magazine, Australia
Australian Travel Innovator Award
2006
Design Miami/ Basel, USA
Designer of the Year Award
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Samsonite, Scope Luggage
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Best of the Best
Samsonite, Scope Luggage
2005
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
KDDI, Talby Mobile Phone
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Nike, Zvezdochka
SIFA Awards, Germany
G-Star, G-Star Raw by Marc Newson
Design and Decoration Awards, UK
Best Bathroom Product
Ideal Standard, Marc Newson Collection
Product Innovation Award, UK
Ideal Standard, Marc Newson Taps
Classic Design Awards, UK
Ideal Standard, Marc Newson Basin Mixer
Time Out Awards, USA
NY Readers’ Choice, Best New Restaurant Design
Lever House, The Lever House Restaurant
L’Observateur du Design Award, France
Tefal, Kitchenware
2004
Good Design Award, Japan
KDDI, Talby Mobile Phone
ADI Compasso d’Oro Award, Italy
Honourable Mention
Alessi, Strelka Cutlery
2003
Australian Design Award, Australia
Qantas, Skybed
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Qantas, Skybed
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Ideal Standard, Marc Newson Collection
Elle Decoration Design Award, UK
Ideal Standard, Marc Newson Bath
2001
The Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award, USA
Erreti, DH1 Door Handle
Selfridges Design Award, UK
Shortlisted
2000
ADI Compasso D’Oro Award, Italy
Alessi, Sygma Hook
Design Innovation Award, Germany
Ikepod, Hemipode Watch ‘Grand Date’ HD03
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Ikepod, Hemipode Watch ‘Grand Date’ HD03
1990-1999
1999
Tokyo Motor Show, Japan
Concept Car Design Award
Ford, 021C
Sydney Design Convention, Australia
Issue of Australian Stamp
Red Dot Design Award, Germany
Product Design
Embryo Chair
The George Nelson Design Award, USA
1998
I.D Magazine, UK
Top 50 Designers Award
1993
Salon du Meuble Paris, France
Designer of the Year
1980-1989
1984
Australian Crafts Council, Australia
Crafts Council Award
Solo exhibitions
2023
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, Paris, France
2022
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, Athens, Greece
Shop Takeover
Gagosian Bookshop, London, UK
2021
Quobus
Galerie kreo, London, UK
Quobus
Galerie kreo, Paris, France
2020
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, Gstaad, Switzerland
2019
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, Hong Kong
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, New York, USA
2013–14
Marc Newson: At Home
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, USA
2010
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, New York, USA
2008
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, London, UK
2007
Marc Newson
Gagosian Gallery, New York, USA
2004–05
Marc Newson
Design Museum, London, UK
2004
Marc Newson
Groninger Museum, Groningen, Netherlands
Kelvin40
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, France
Marc Newson
Galerie kréo, Paris, France
2003
Marc Newson
Galerie kréo, Paris, France
2001
Marc Newson: Design Works
Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia
2000
Marc Newson
Galerie kréo, Paris, France
1999
Marc Newson
McLellan Galleries, Glasgow, UK
1997
Marc Newson
Villa de Noailles, Hyères, France
1995
Bucky: de la chimie au design
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, France
1994
Wormhole
Internos Bis, Milan, Italy
1993
Raum & Form
Galerie Artificial, Nuremberg, Germany
Marc Newson
Galleria Massimo De Carlo, Milan, Italy
1991
Marc Newson
VIA, Paris, France
Marc Newson
C&Bi Interior, Stockholm, Sweden
1990
Fresh produce by Marc Newson
Gold & Idée, Tokyo, Japan
Marc Newson for Idée
The Ikon Corporation, London, UK
1989
Marc Newson
Il Milione, Milan, Italy
1988
Works of Marc Newson
Idée, Tokyo, Japan
1986
Seating for Six
Roslyn Oxley9, Sydney, Australia
Selected Talks and Podcasts
2025
MarcNewson on Ruthie's Table 4 (Season, 5, Episode 4)
Available here
2024
'Marc Newson's Art Inspirations', The Art Show, ABC Radio National
Available here
'Marc Newson- SR-71 Blackbird', SpyScape: A History of the World in Spy Objects
Available here
2022
'Marc Newson', The Ultimate Road Trip Podcast
Available here
2021
‘Marc Newson: Design Works’, Sydney Design Week, The Powerhouse Museum
Available here
2020
‘Art of Influence: Marc Newson’, Sydney College of the Arts
Available here
2019
‘Marc Newson’, HODINKEE Radio
Available here
2013
‘Designer of Scale’, TEDxSydney
Available here
