Sir Terrence Conran: Visionary designer dies at 88

Sir Terrence Conran, the British designer who revolutionized retail and decor, has died at the age of 88.

Known as the founder of Best Accommodation, he brought modern style and simplicity to UK homes in the 1960s and later helped find the Design Museum.

“He was a dreamer who enjoyed an extraordinary life and a career that revolutionized our lives in Britain.”

“He was loved by his family and friends and we will miss him very much.”

• Objective: Sir Terrence Conran

The statement added: “It comforts us to know that many of you will mourn with us but we ask you to contribute to the extraordinary legacy of Terrence and the country you love so much.”

He “promoted the best British design, culture and arts in the world”, with “a very simple belief that good design improves people’s quality of life”.

Sir Terrence began his career in the late 1940s, but the swing became a household name as one of the key designers of the ’60s.

His empire will go to chains including Spain restaurants, architecture and mothercare, but it was for its accessible and fashionable furniture, interiors and homeware that it remains the best.

Many years before IKEA reached the British coast, it launched the Flat-Pack Furniture initiative, helping to reduce its cutting-edge prices in a bid to “democratize good design”.

“It’s a privilege and an inspiration to know them,” said Tim Marlowe, director of the Design Museum, who led the tribute.

In a statement, Merlo wrote: “Terrence Conran was instrumental in rebuilding post-war Britain and his legacy is vast.

“She is revered by designers from Mary Quant and David Mallor to Thomas Heatherwick and Johnny Ive.

“He changed the way we lived and bought and ate. He also created a great organization – the Design Museum from which he is justifiably proud and with whom he remains fully engaged until the end of his extraordinary life.”