In Memory of Sir Kenneth Grange, 1929-2024
The celebrated designer and co-founder of Pentagram has passed away at age 95.
It is with immense sadness that we note the passing of Sir Kenneth Grange, the celebrated industrial designer and one of the co-founders of Pentagram.
In 1972, Kenneth joined forces with Alan Fletcher, Colin Forbes, Theo Crosby and Mervyn Kurlansky to form Pentagram, bringing the discipline of product and industrial design into the mix and turning the partnership into a truly multidisciplinary design practice.
Kenneth was already a well-known designer when he co-founded Pentagram, establishing his award-winning studio in 1958 where worked on many high-profile projects including Kodak’s Instamatic camera and a range of kitchen appliances for Kenwood.
Architecture was an early and lasting influence on his practice, having worked in three architectural studios before setting up on his own. It was also a significant influence on his understanding of modernism, a philosophy which informed his thoughtful and refined approach to design throughout his long and very successful career.
Sir Kenneth’s portfolio features many familiar household objects such as kitchen appliances, irons and washing machine, as well as cameras and typewriters. He designed pens for Parker, computers for Reuters, postboxes for Royal Mail, a London black cab and the UK’s first parking meters.
Many of his designs such as the iconic Anglepoise lamp are still in production, but perhaps his most celebrated achievement was British Rail’s Inter-City 125 train. He worked on the design of the aerodynamics, interior layout and exterior design of the record-breaking locomotive that formed the backbone of Britain's new high-speed rail routes and revived the public’s interest in rail travel. The first ever InterCity 125 produced was later named after Sir Kenneth, and is currently on display at the National Railway Museum in York.
Sir Kenneth offered a tangible link to Pentagram’s formative past and cemented the idea that industrial design should remain a key part of our DNA. He embodied the ethos that good design should be about improving people’s lives, and that this shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. Kenneth’s elegant and meticulously crafted designs shaped the world around us and continue to do so. His extensive archive will go on display at the V&A East Storehouse when it opens to the public in 2025, creating an enduring legacy that spans the generations and will go on to inspire future generations of industrial designers.
Since retiring after 25 years as a Partner, Kenneth was a regular visitor to Needham Road and will be greatly missed by everyone who works there.
RIP Kenneth, and condolences to his wife Apryl and family.
© Kenneth Grange archive. Courtesy of Kenneth Grange, Pentagram and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The five founding partners of Pentagram in 1972. From left to right, Theo Crosby, Kenneth Grange, Colin Forbes, Mervyn Kurlansky and Alan Fletcher.
