{"id":15,"date":"2017-08-08T20:54:24","date_gmt":"2017-08-08T20:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reflekt.demo.wearekllr.com\/?page_id=15"},"modified":"2025-10-18T21:14:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T11:14:48","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/garthbarnett.com\/?page_id=15","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Life & Career of Garth Barnett<\/h1>\n

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Garth Andrew Barnett was a visionary Australian interior designer whose work left an indelible mark on the design world. Known for his refined aesthetic, attention to detail, and deeply personal approach, Garth created timeless spaces that blended elegance, comfort, and personality.<\/p>\n

Born in Derbyshire, UK, Garth was a graduate of Camden Art College in Nottingham, England. He arrived in Sydney, Australia in 1969, where he began laying the foundations for what would become a celebrated career in design. His early professional life was spent as a furniture and antiques expert with Farmer & Co (now Myer department store), followed by a role as a furniture fabrics specialist with Potpourri and later Redelman. It was during his time at Redelman that Garth began decorating for friends\u2014and himself\u2014planting the seeds for his future design practice.<\/p>\n

In 1988, he captured the attention of the design world by renovating two apartments in Elizabeth Bay, both of which were featured in Belle magazine\u2014one even gracing the cover. This recognition marked the beginning of Garth\u2019s ascent as a respected and sought-after designer.<\/p>\n

Garth\u2019s nomadic lifestyle was as iconic as his style. Over the years, he bought, renovated, and sold more than 30 properties. From a humble cottage in Woolloomooloo to a penthouse in the prestigious \u201cVillard\u201d building in Potts Point, and finally his elegant home in \u201cAltair\u201d at Rushcutters Bay, each space reflected his signature flair and impeccable taste.<\/p>\n

What truly set Garth apart was his innate ability to make even the most ordinary look glamorous. His distinguished style, eye for composition, and gift for storytelling through interiors made him not just a designer, but an artist. Beyond his projects, Garth was a mentor and inspiration\u2014generous with his knowledge and passionate about supporting emerging talent, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.<\/p>\n

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Sue Quinn<\/h1>\n

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TRUSTEE DIRECTOR OF THE GARTH BARNETT TRUST<\/p>\n

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I arrived in Australia on a 1-year student visa many years ago and was lucky enough to meet Garth. I shared his apartment in Elizabeth Bay for 6 months and that was the beginning of a 35-year friendship. We both loved travelling and we spent time together every year either in Australia, his beloved adopted country, the UK, Europe or travelling to more exotic countries. His great passion was Palladio, we would often meet in Italy \u2013 his favourite European country \u2013 and we would travel around visiting as many of Palladio\u2019s buildings as we could.<\/p>\n

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I miss him still and am proud to be part of the Trust that carries his name and gives a helping hand to creative people in need.
\nSUE QUINN<\/b><\/p>\n

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He loved art galleries, design exhibitions, architecture, and most of all interior design. On all our travels together, he sought out the visually interesting and extraordinary, he took inspiration from the sights and colours around him and created his own unique spaces.<\/p>\n

Much has been said elsewhere about his creative talent and his generous legacy for future generations but to me Garth was my dear friend, we shared many fabulous times and helped each other through difficult days, he was funny, entertaining, warm, thoughtful, and big-hearted. I miss him still and am proud to be part of the Trust that carries his name and gives a helping hand to creative people in need.<\/p>\n

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Scholarship Trust<\/h1>\n

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Today, the Garth Barnett Scholarship Trust carries forward his legacy by nurturing the next generation of designers, ensuring that his spirit, creativity, and belief in the transformative power of design continue to inspire for generations to come.<\/p>\n

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Sue Quinn<\/p>\n

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Trustee Director<\/h6>\n

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A long-time friend of Garth, Sue plays a key role in upholding his legacy by overseeing scholarship interviews, selections, and award reviews. Passionate about supporting emerging interior designers, she ensures that each recipient embodies the talent and dedication that Garth valued.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Bassam Aflak<\/p>\n

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Trustee Director<\/h6>\n

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Oversees corporate affairs and financial management, ensuring the scholarship trust remains financially sustainable and well-managed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Susan Vass<\/p>\n

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Operations Director<\/h6>\n

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Coordinates the trust\u2019s scholarships and awards in partnership with the university, ensuring smooth administration, whilst also managing all professional relationships to maintain the trust\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Rita Azar<\/p>\n

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Program Director<\/h6>\n

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Focused on reviewing and recognising suitable candidates and rewarding excellence, making key recommendations to the Board. Passionate about upholding Garth\u2019s vision to ensure the selection process supports future leaders in interior design.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Special thanks to Jean Wright, long-term Interior Design Director\/Editor and Creative Director at Belle Magazine, for her invaluable assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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