Design guru who changed the face of Britain
SIR TERENCE CONRAN, who shaped much of the way domestic Britain looks today, died yesterday at the age of 88.
The influential designer, retailer and restaurateur died peacefully at Barton Court, his country house in Berkshire.
His family described Sir Terence as “a visionary who enjoyed an extraordinary life and career that revolutionised the way we live in Britain”.
They said in a statement: “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.
“From the late Forties to the present day, his energy and creativity thrived in his shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and hotels and through his many design, architecture and furniture-making businesses.”
Born in Kingston upon Thames, Sir
Terence attended the Central School of Art and Design before joining the 1951 Festival of Britain design team. Five years later he branched out in his own design practice.
In 1964, Sir Terence and his third wife, Caroline Herbert, opened the first Habitat shop in Chelsea, which grew into one of the country’s most successful chains.
Sir Terence was deeply influenced by both post-war continental furniture and kitchenware design, and the vivid colours, smells and flavours of Italian and French markets and restaurants.
In 1953, inspired by a trip to France, he launched his first food venture, Soup Kitchen, off the Strand, offering baguettes and espressos to a Britain still in the grip of rationing.
In 1971, he launched the Neal Street Restaurant, going on to open the Bluebird Cafe in 1997. He was also responsible for Mezzo and Pont de la Tour.
Sir Terence also founded the Design Museum, which his family described as
“one of his proudest moments”. The statement added: “He was adored and we will miss him dearly. It gives us great comfort to know that many of you will mourn with us but we ask that you celebrate Terence’s extraordinary legacy and contribution to the country he loved so dearly.”
Sir Terence’s children, Sebastian, Jasper, Sophie, Tom and Edmund, also went into creative industries, continuing his legacy of championing beautiful things to which everyone could aspire. Lord Mandelson, chairman of the trustees at the Design Museum, said: “Terence Conran has filled our lives for generations with ideas, innovation and brilliant design.”
Tim Marlow, director and chief executive at the Design Museum, said: “Terence Conran was instrumental in the redesigning of post-war Britain and his legacy is huge. He changed the way we lived, shopped and ate.”