The definitive celebration of the work, life and times of Sir Kenneth Grange (born 1929), one of the most revered, innovative and influential industrial designers of the modern age.
'You may not know the name Kenneth Grange, but you'll almost certainly know his work. He has designed just about everything' Guardian
The work of renowned design pioneer Sir Kenneth Grange has touched the lives of almost every consumer worldwide and has had a lasting influence on today's younger designers, from Sir Jonathan Ive, Jasper Morrison and Marc Newson to Thomas Heatherwick and the founding brothers of Joseph Joseph.
The range of Grange's designs is legendary, from the InterCity 125 train for British Rail, the TX1 model of the London black taxi, domestic appliances for Ronson, Kenwood, Morphy Richards, Bendix and others, razors for Wilkinson Sword, lighting for Anglepoise, cameras for Kodak, pens for Parker, post boxes for Royal Mail - and much more for major manufacturers in the UK, the USA and Japan.
This fascinating story of a life in design is set against the background of Britain's remarkable transition from post-war exhaustion and a battered industrial landscape to the vibrant powerhouse of creativity and innovation that it has become today. Through a combination of hard work, natural talent and a 'can-do' attitude, Grange found himself swept up in that early 'industry of change and taste-making', and he has remained at the centre of it for seven decades.
For many years design specialist Lucy Johnston has had personal contact with Kenneth Grange, giving her privileged access to this giant among post-war designers of international renown and influence. Based on a series of in-depth discussions, this illuminating book explores Grange's work as seen through his own eyes, illustrated with doodles, sketches, scale models and product photographs. The story is set in its social, political and creative context, introducing the figures who have inspired, commissioned and worked alongside Grange as his designs transformed Britain and the world and helped to shape our modern-day consumer culture.
