Sir Kenneth Grange, a leading figure in British postwar industrial design, passed away this week at the age of 95. Grange, whose work included iconic products like the Kodak Instamatic camera and the redesigned London taxi, was known for his minimalist and functional approach to design. His career spanned over 70 years, during which he worked with numerous global brands and left a lasting impact on the design world.
Despite his influential work, Grange remained relatively unknown outside of the design industry. However, a new book released in June and the Victoria and Albert Museum’s acquisition of his archive are shedding light on his legacy. Grange’s most famous project, the Inter-City 125 train, became a design classic and a symbol of British industrial design excellence.
Renowned Apple designer Sir Jonathan Ive has called Grange his hero, citing the Inter-City 125 train as his favorite Grange design. Ive praised Grange’s rejection of unnecessary design elements in favor of functionality and user needs.
With the release of the new book and the availability of his archive for future generations, Grange’s impact on British industrial design is being recognized more widely. Despite his modesty and lack of global recognition during his lifetime, Grange’s influence on everyday objects and his contribution to the field of design are now coming to the forefront. Sir Kenneth Grange, industrial designer, 1929-2024, leaves behind a legacy of timeless and functional design that continues to inspire designers around the world.
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