2010

TOM MARTIN began as the ambitious project of 16-year-old Tom while still in school. Inspired by a desire to carry forward a cherished family tradition of gifting a keepsake bauble each Christmas, Tom embarked on a year-long journey of design and sourcing. The result was the debut of the brand’s first ornament, an elegant piece that remains Untitled to this day. Unveiled at midnight on December 1 2010, only 100 hand-painted decorations were painted.

A private commission for a Military MBE

In our early days, TOM MARTIN had the privilege of creating a custom one-off design to commemorate the receipt of a Military Division MBE. The ceremony was held at Windsor Castle and the award gifted by Her Majesty The Queen. 

The bauble depicted Windsor Castle and The Long Walk, with a representation of the Military MBE painted on the reverse.

TOM MARTIN join Not on The High Street

In September 2011, in time for the release of the second design of our Winter Collection, TOM MARTIN became a Partner on Not On The High Street, a website which helped with the introduction of many of our first-time customers. 

The quieter years

Four years at university brought quieter seasons for TOM MARTIN. Amid rooms overflowing with boxes and ribbons, the obligatory desk textbook sat strategically hidden beneath the trappings of creativity. TOM MARTIN came alive each winter, an illuminated ball of energy, only to retreat into hibernation as spring’s daffodils began to bloom.

April 2016

A new chapter at TOM MARTIN

In April 2016, TOM MARTIN embarked on an exciting new journey, parting ways with Not On The High Street after more than four successful years. This pivotal moment marked the relaunch of our brand identity and the introduction of our own dedicated website.

This step allowed us to refine our focus, embracing our core ethos with renewed vigor. It also provided the opportunity to further elevate the craftsmanship and intricate detailing that have become hallmarks of the TOM MARTIN brand.

JUNE 2016

Summer arrives to TOM MARTIN

In honor of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday, TOM MARTIN proudly unveiled a special limited-edition bauble titled Celebration Ready. This summer-inspired design captured the essence of The Patron's Lunch, the largest street party ever held on The Mall in St James’s Park, London. The grand celebration took place on Sunday, June 12th, bringing together a nation in festive spirit.

SPRING 2018

The Dawn and Dusk No. 1 Candles

As spring began, we unveil a brand-new product—our very first venture beyond our signature hanging gifts: the Dawn and Dusk No. 1 scented candles.

Handcrafted in London, these two exquisite home candles bring unique stories to life. Dawn celebrates the fresh, fragrant essence of a British morning, while Dusk captures the sensuality and mystery of twilight. With a spiced aroma laced with the vibrant notes of pomegranate and pepper, Dusk evokes the allure of a setting sun over a dusky landscape.

NOVEMBER 2018

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

In November 2018, TOM MARTIN brought a touch of magic to the renowned Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, adorning the event with a signature palette of purple and white.

october 2019

TOM MARTIN becomes official bauble maker for The Snowman

TOM MARTIN teamed up with one of the nation’s favourite Christmas tales, The Snowman™, in a three-year, worldwide license agreement. Our House brought this cherished story to life with a collection of truely special hand-painted baubles, crafted to capture the magic and nostalgia of the festive season.

DECEMBER 2019

We’re return to Winchester

For Christmas 2019, we returned to the iconic Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, unveiling our enchanting Winter Lodge pop-up.

OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY

Marking a decade

In 2020, TOM MARTIN marked its tenth anniversary. While the moment was intended to be celebrated with those who had supported the brand over the past decade, the global COVID pandemic meant those plans could not take place as imagined.

Instead, the milestone was marked with the unveiling of a new logo. The design reflects the story of our beginnings, our dedication to craft, and the artistic journey that has shaped the brand. More than a symbol, it represents the creative foundation for the years ahead.

Introducing The Studio

Design and artwork have always been at the heart of our work. In January 2022, we introduced The Studio - a dedicated creative arm distinct from our retail offering.

From here, we develop both internal projects and collaborative commissions with our clients, shaping the ideas that sit behind each piece we create. It is within The Studio that concepts are explored, stories are crafted and new collections take form, bringing together artistry, design and craft to create meaningful objects and experiences, both physical and digital.

Bespoke Goes Global

Throughout the 2020s, our Bespoke service continues to expand, with TOM MARTIN signature baubles commissioned by some of the world’s most distinguished hotels and retailers. From long standing collaborations with Claridge’s, The Ritz London, and Fortnum & Mason, to new partnerships across luxury hospitality and travel, our work has become a seasonal tradition for many of our clients.

While each ornament begins life in our studio, the finished pieces now travel far beyond the United Kingdom. Today our hand painted baubles are commissioned by clients across Europe, North America and as far as East Asia, reflecting the growing international appreciation for the craft of inside painting.

What began as a small studio practice has gradually evolved into a global craft house, with each commission continuing to be created with the same meticulous care and dedication to heritage techniques that have defined TOM MARTIN from the very beginning.

EXPLORE OUR BESPOKE SERVICE

Spreading Festive Joy

Our signature TOM MARTIN car took to the Christmas roads of London, travelling across the city to spread festive cheer and celebrate the season with our community. The moving activation brought our world of hand painted baubles to life in an unexpected setting, transforming everyday moments into small celebrations.