HABITAT FOUNDER CONRAN DIES AT 88

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HABITAT founder and design guru Sir Terence Conran died yesterday at the age of 88.

The retail mogul brought simple, modern designs to UK homes and changed the way we shop for decor in a career spanning six decades.

A family statement read: “He was a visionary who enjoyed an extraordinary life and career that revolutionised the way we live in Britain.

“He was adored by his family and friends. We will miss him dearly.”

Born in Kingston upon Thames, he started out making and selling furniture in London.

Sir Terence opened his first Habitat store in Chelsea in 1964 and his retail empire later included Mothercare, Heals, Richards Shops and British Home Stores.

He was the first to sell duvets in Britain after falling in love with them on a trip to Sweden. The author of over 50 books, mostly on design, he is credited with bringing the term “lifestyle” into the language.

Sir Terence opened a string of upmarket restaurants like the Bluebird in Chelsea, and helped regenerate the Shad Thames area of London where he set up the Design Museum in 1989.

The museum said: “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.”

Lord Mandelson, chairman of the board of trustees of the museum, said: “He is one of the most iconic figures of postwar Britain. He leaves a treasure trove of household and industrial design that will stay with us forever.”

Sir Terence was married four times and was father to five children, including designer Jasper Conran. His family said he died peacefully at his country estate, Barton Court in Berkshire.

LEGEND: Last year

SHOP: At first Habitat in 1964

DESIGN GURU Terence pictured in 1956

LAUGH: Plays himself in Ab Fab in 2004