My Life in Design

This appealing, anecdotal retrospective is the indefatigable Conran’s narration of his life’s work, a highly successful international career as a designer, retailer, and restaurateur. Conran writes lucidly about his early work with patterns; the origins of the Conran Design Group in 1956 and his retail home products chain, Habitat, in 1964; the many restaurants and shops he has owned and designed; his furniture-making, renovation, and architecture work; and his publishing business. These stories reinforce Conran’s place in both British and design history as a modernist visionary with the courage to embark on manufacturing items of his own design. His noted accomplishments include the renovation of London’s Michelin building (his favorite) and Butler’s Wharf on the Thames (his biggest), designing the interior of Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 1, writing over 60 books of advice and inspiration (including The Home Book), and creating London’s Design Museum. Conran believes that useful, beautiful, and affordable products that are “thoughtfully and intelligently designed” will improve the quality of anyone’s life. The book’s contemporary design contrasts with the vintage, archival quality of the dated photographs and artwork that illuminate Conran’s recollections. The chapter narratives have an unusual and off-putting format of compact, dense black text offset by bright orange paper (a misstep that is especially surprising given Conrad’s expertise). Still, the book is an informative summation of a long, versatile creative career, and will make a welcome addition to any designer’s library. Color illus. [em](Oct.) [/em]