Sir Kenneth Grange: A transformative influence on the UK
When we think of the icons of modern British design, few names stand as prominently as Sir Kenneth Grange. With a career spanning over six decades, Grange’s work has seamlessly blended aesthetics with functionality, impacting daily life in the UK in ways both overt and subtle. From household appliances to public transportation, his designs have become ingrained in the British landscape.
“When I think of his work, I do not immediately think of the designer, but of the millions of users that have been beneficiaries of his care and thought.”
Sir Jony Ive
Establishing a design philosophy
Born in 1929, Kenneth Grange began his career in a post-war Britain eager for innovation and renewal. Graduating from the Willesden School of Arts and Crafts, he initially worked in architectural design before co-founding the influential Pentagram design studio in 1972. Grange’s early work was characterized by a commitment to simplicity, usability, and elegance — principles that would define his career.
Design for everyday Life
One of Grange’s most significant contributions has been in the realm of domestic appliances. His collaboration with Kenwood in the 1960s and 70s produced some of the most iconic kitchen gadgets, including the Kenwood Chef food mixer. These products were not only functional but also stylish, embodying the clean lines and user-friendly interfaces that Grange championed.
Grange’s partnership with Morphy Richards further exemplifies his impact on British homes. The irons, kettles, and toasters he designed became staples in kitchens across the country. His designs prioritised ease of use, reliability, and modern aesthetics, setting a standard for household appliances.
Shaping the Public Sphere
Beyond the home, Grange’s influence is perhaps most visibly felt in British public transport. One of his landmark achievements was the redesign of the InterCity 125 train in the 1970s. This high-speed train not only revolutionized rail travel in the UK but also set new standards for comfort and efficiency. The sleek, aerodynamic design of the InterCity 125 remains an enduring symbol of British engineering prowess.
Grange’s contribution to public transport didn’t stop there. His work on the London Taxi, specifically the TX1 model introduced in the late 1990s, modernized this quintessentially British icon. The TX1 combined classic design elements with improved functionality and accessibility, ensuring the London cab remained relevant in a changing urban landscape.
The personal touch
Grange’s design ethos extended into the realm of personal electronics, particularly through his work with Kodak. His design for the Kodak Instamatic camera in the 1960s made photography accessible to the masses. The camera’s user-friendly design and affordable price revolutionized the way people captured and shared memories, cementing Grange’s status as a designer who truly understood and catered to the needs of everyday users.
A lasting legacy
Sir Kenneth Grange’s contributions to design have been widely recognised. He was knighted in 2013 for his services to design, and his work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Design Museum in London. His influence is also seen in the success and continued relevance of Pentagram, which remains one of the world’s leading design consultancies.
He was elected as a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) in 1969 and became an adviser to the Design Council ten years later. He received the Design Council’s Prince Philip Prize twice, once in 1963 for the Milward Courier cordless shaver and again in 2001 for the Type 75 Anglepoise lamp.
