An Industrial Designer specialising in Exhibition and Display Design, Bryon Cunningham has led a distinguished career. From the outset as a fledgling designer in the early 1970s, Bryon was paving the way in his profession. He participated in the first trade mission to China, in addition to working on a range of temporary exhibitions, trade shows and cultural exchange expositions in America, Japan and the Middle East.

Bryon’s extensive associations in the areas of science and conservation are attested by his contributions to significant projects throughout Australia. After establishing Cunningham Martyn Design in 1995, Bryon assumed conceptual lead in projects such as: the Shrine of Remembrance Master Plan and the Immigration Museum (both in Melbourne); Canberra’s CSIRO Discovery Science Centre; the Western Australian Maritime Museum; and the Australian Museum Exhibition Master Plan in Sydney. Further afield in Beijing, he worked on the Ceramic Calligraphy and Bronze Galleries National Capital Museum.

Diversity has continued to underscore more recent projects. Bryon set the creative direction for the Australian Wildlife Rescue Centre at Healesville Sanctuary; a boutique exhibition on the History of the Judiciary, The Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre in Brisbane’s new Supreme Court Building; while at the Mary MacKillop Museum in East Melbourne, he set out the life and beliefs of Australia’s first canonised saint. Bryon’s work on the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia, which opened in October 2011, displays some of the most significant artefacts of Australia’s history such as rare documents, artworks and realia from Captains Cook’s first voyage through to Patrick White’s hand written manuscripts.

The Premier’s Design Award 2008 for Cultural Exhibition Design recognised Bryon’s depiction of Australia’s involvement in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan through the Conflicts 1945 to Today Galleries at the Australian War Memorial. A further legacy is due to be unveiled in 2014 – as the redevelopment of the World War One Galleries at the Australian War Memorial Canberra is scheduled for completion.

The profession has been greatly enriched by Bryon’s expertise and willingness to share his vast knowledge - in his capacity as a lecturer in Exhibition Design and Visual Communications for RMIT University, Swinburne University, CSIRO and through active involvement in DIA forums.