British designer Sir Terence Conran dies aged 88
Visionary designer Sir Terence Conran has died aged 88.
The British designer, philanthropist and businessman passed away on Saturday 12th September 2020 at his Barton Court home.
Sir Terence founded furniture company Habitat in 1964, growing it from a single, high profile outlet in London to a national and international chain. But that was just the start of his retail expansion. As the founder of the Storehouse Group, he acquired Heal’s, set up Next, and ran British Home Stores and Mothercare. Terence then opened The Conran Shop in 1972, with eight stores located in London, Paris, New York and across Japan.
Sir Terence also founded The Conran Design Group, specialising in interiors, hotel and restaurant design, graphics, products and homeware, and he established Conran and Partners, an architectural practice with Fred Lloyd Roche.
As a renowned restaurateur, Sir Terence's restaurant portfolio included Ivan Storey, The Soup Kitchen, Pont de la Tour, Bibendum, Orrery, Quaglino's and Mezzo.
'A proud patriot, Sir Terence promoted the best of British design, culture and the arts around the world and at the heart of everything he did was a very simple belief that good design improves the quality of people's lives,' said his family in a statement.
'Sir Terence enjoyed a remarkable life to the full and always maintained that his work never felt like a job – everything he did for business he would have done for pleasure.
'In his private life he was adored by his family and friends and we will miss him dearly.'
Sir Terence also founded the Design Museum in London, described as 'one of his proudest moments', and continued to champion the importance of education to young people in the creative industries.
Tim Marlow, Director and Chief Executive, Design Museum, said: 'Terence Conran was instrumental in the re-designing of post-War Britain and his legacy is huge. He is revered by generations of designers from Mary Quant and David Mellor to Thomas Heatherwick and Jonny Ive. He changed the way we lived and shopped and ate.'
To celebrate Sir Terence's life, career and contribution, The Design Museum will exhibit a commemorative display and memory book for the public to sign.
Lord Mandelson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Design Museum, added: 'Terence Conran has filled our lives for generations with ideas, innovation and brilliant design. He leaves a treasure trove of household and industrial design that will stay with us forever.'
You Might Also Like
