Dr. Thomas Cubbin

Biography

Tom Cubbin is a historian and educator at HDK-Valand Academy of Art and Design, affiliated with the Steneby Unit in Dals Långed, Sweden. He undertakes teaching and research focusing on the cultural and environmental significance of craft design. With a PhD from the University of Sheffield and an MA in History of Design from the Royal College of Art in London, Tom has a background in Russian Soviet history. He authored the book 'Soviet Critical Design' (Bloomsbury, 2019), exploring artistic design research in the late Soviet Union, and has written extensively on sustainability, craft, and queer communities. His current research investigates critical historiographies related to the urban gaze and subjugated forms of craft design across diverse geographies. Tom has developed innovative pedagogies in craft through initiatives like the BFA Crafting Futures and has been responsible for introducing design studies into the curriculum for both BA and MA programs at HDK-Valand. He has held multiple roles, including being the Head of the Design Unit at HDK-Valand and is actively involved in the PARSE working group, contributing to the board of Halmens Hus, Sweden’s museum dedicated to straw craft.

Research Interests