London College of Communication is very sorry to hear of the death of Martin Ashley, who worked at the College for approximately 40 years, across five decades, spanning the 1970s to 2010s. During this time Martin taught and ran pathways across a range of design courses at LCC.
Martin is remembered here by his long-time colleague and friend, Tony Pritchard, former Course Leader of LCC’s Postgraduate Design for Visual Communication courses.
I first met Martin in the late 1980s, when I attended a private view for what was then the 4-year mode Media and Production Design (MPD) course at LCC.
The course was distinctive with its emphasis on typography and information design applied to purposeful outcomes with societal concerns. Martin, however, was always an advocate of encompassing the broader spectrum of design and enabling the individual to flourish in their own way and free from doctrine. He stood for the quiet scholarly approach as well as those challenging the prevailing norms and originating new visual languages.
Not all students starting in their first year are the apparent high-flyers. The course provided opportunities for those who needed faith in their abilities and time to build the necessary confidence. In communicating with those industry leaders such as Helen Keyes, Robin Richmond and Angus Hyland, I learned about their humble beginnings and the importance of Martin Ashley in their educational transition.
I heard later from Martin that he was interviewed for his position at College by a panel including the famous poster designer Tom Eckersley. When Eckersley was concerned over the colour scheme for the Equus poster he consulted Martin over his views. This has become a well-known poster that advertised an exhibition of student work from the College held in the foyer of the National Theatre.
One of the students exhibiting was current LCC lecturer Biggles. He reflects, “Martin was a big influence…I first knew him when I was a student in 1977, he and I got on well then – I think the contrast in our personalities worked, both very different, but also respectful."
Martin was the link between the present and the past of the College. When the much-loved tri-line LCP logo was to be displayed with designer and year unknown, Martin was able to date it as 1976 and by his colleague Leslie Howard who was running the placement year of MPD. Martin reported that the godfather of branding FHK Henrion commented he could not improve on Howard’s version. Martin knew the people who for us are names in history, people such as Frederick Lambert (Typos journal) and Brian Grimbly (Design and Typographic journals).
Helen Keyes, Global Head of Brand, Communication & Digital Design at Philips, undertook the MPD course, graduating in 1986. She remembers the era, which she calls the ‘sweet spot’, fondly and talks of her memory of Martin:
“Rarely in our professional design lives can we say ‘that tutor influenced who I am today’ – as one of my key influencers in typography, Martin Ashley, was one of those tutors – for me and my fellow classmates from MPD in the mid 1980s. Always professional, passionate, empathetic, and expert. He will be greatly missed but his legacy lives in our daily lives. I’d like to think he is deeply proud of us and his incredible legacy of successful global designers.”
Helen was keen that I contact her best friend at College, Sandra Walker, who has been a graphic designer with the BBC for the last 30 years. “Farewell Martin Ashley, having a good solid foundation and the relationships we share with our peers and tutors set us up for life. His legacy lives on through us all.”
Angus Hyland, partner with Pentagram recalls: “In the autumn of 1982 I remember my first day at the LCP for two things. One was a violent bar fight that broke out at a local pub called The Charlie Chaplin (I didn't drink there again), and the other was meeting Martin, who, as head of the first year on the MPD course, was the first tutor I encountered. He was dressed in a white t-shirt, red ‘kerchief and white jeans noticeably accessorised with a belt patterned with repeating Cinzano logos.
“Martin was a stark contrast to the brutal grey concrete interior of the design block: simultaneously both debonair and a slight throwback to continental summers of the seventies. He was the perfect first year tutor. Always reasonable, always measured, his advice was delivered in a serious yet breezy manner. I remember his guidance so fondly. A true gentleman.”
My first year teaching with Martin was a couple of years after Helen and Angus had left. Some of the students in that year were to become the founding partners of the OPX studio: Frances Jackson, Bill Bickerstaff and Simon Goodall. Simon picks up on those early key skills that still resonate today: “Martin was the person that helped me understand why typography mattered. From introducing me to the world of points, picas and leading, to explaining how you could use type to convey ideas and create emotions, he opened up a host of new possibilities. 30 years on I’m still grateful.”
Robin Richmond bridged the year between Helen Keyes and Simon Goodall. Robin, who was later to establish Meta Design London as a co-founder, describes the impact that Martin made on him and the design education of that era. “Martin was instrumental in the set-up and long-term running of the MPD course from the late 1970s/early 1980s, providing its meter and consistency over a long period. In the many years he served students at the LCP he gave selflessly and could be relied on to help out. Martin was a good listener and was interested in what people wanted to achieve.
“A decade after I’d finished, Martin was happy to meet in his own time and endorse visa applications to enable work in the US. He spoke generously about my peer group, remembering the majority, if not all, what they did at the College and where they went afterwards. It was a humbling example of good UX in an age before hashtags and business buzzwords. Martin was a voice of calm assurance and affirmation – a steady and positive influence in many people’s lives and professional design development.”
Martin was friends with renowned Swiss designer Jost Hochuli HonFISTD, whose daughter Franziska, studied under Martin. Franziska, on hearing of Martin’s passing, was transported back to her time at LCC, from the “pink elephant” to “window panes crashing in winter storms”. She recalls: “Martin coaxed and encouraged… and that for me was his signature as a teacher: he was always supportive in getting the best out of everyone.” Martin became known for a particular phrase which was “show me, don’t tell me” – this helped students focus on their visual communication.
The learning environment for students has improved over the years but it is apparent from accounts of the 1960s, 70s and 80s that education could, regretfully, be a tough and unforgiving place. It is clear from the memories expressed, that Martin shone out as a kind and gentle person whose focus was on the nurturing of talent and not the thwarting of the individual’s ambition.
Those colleagues that knew Martin in the latter stages of his career also speak with warmth about the qualities he exuded. The current head of College Natalie Brett remembers Martin from her days as head of the Foundation course at Chelsea and when she first began at LCC. Dean of the Design School, Nicky Ryan, comments: “I remember Martin well. He was always collegiate, erudite and a passionate advocate of information design.”
Benedict Richards picks up the story for the contemporary era. “Martin had a special interest in psychology and perception within graphic design, in particular the work of Professor Stephen M Kosslyn. It was in this that we shared a common interest. He researched ways to get across Kosslyn's key points to students – the aim being to help students make rational decisions about improving their design work. As a result of his research, he was always able to explain in his calm and rational manner why some things ‘work’ better than others and felt students should gain that ability too.
“I always remember him saying that we notice larger things first, not because they are bigger, but because they look nearer. His interest in this area preceded by many years the subject’s more current application to UX. I had the pleasure of helping Martin put together some presentations and a booklet for students which explained his findings. He was exacting in his typography but also had a broad view of design – a rare combination.”
Martin Ashley was a teacher, practitioner and researcher but these were never seen as isolated areas. Martin was able to enrich each through cross-fertilising the themes of his interest. Baseline 17, released in 1994, published his paper ‘From Cuneiform to DTP: Is there a pattern?’ which explored his hypothesis that there are five pragmatic constraints determining the form of characters. Mike Daines of Letraset and Professor Hans Dieter Reichert AGI had invited Martin onto the editorial board of Baseline.
Martin’s work in the financial sector led him to identify that there were four different reading tolerances from junior to senior researcher. From this he proposed the notion of collapsible and expandable information across various platforms from bullet point presentations to full discursive reports. Research, analysis, evaluation, deduction and the design of information were ingrained in his practice and teaching. The seeds for what is now known as data visualisation began in the early days of MPD and were developed further on the information design pathway he ran on the Graphic and Media Design (GMD) course. The M of GMD comes from MPD.
Dr Russell Bestley, professional researcher and Reader in Graphic Design, describes his first encounter and enduring experience of Martin: “I first met Martin around 25 years ago when I joined the MA Typo/Graphic Studies team at what was then the London College of Printing (LCP). I got to work much more closely with Martin on the Undergraduate programme over the following three or four years.
“He always struck me as a considerate, polite and hugely knowledgeable designer and educator who seemed to inspire a real sense of community among his students. That kind of respect doesn’t come easily – Martin combined compassion and enthusiasm with a detailed knowledge of graphic design history and practice, along with a real, in-depth understanding of the role of design in relation to society, culture, commerce and community.”
Former programme director, Jamie Hobson’s “pervading memory of a Martin is of a physically slight and courteous gentleman. He told me once that he used to play in a band with Noel Redding, the bass player with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Students appreciated his professionalism and egalitarian approach. I remember that a group of us were assessing the work of a student. Martin asked us to consider their ‘quiet scholarship’ which was the perfect phrase to describe the student’s achievement and also Martin’s teaching and practice.”
From these reminiscences the notion of a life well lived emerges, a life that made an impact on others within the professional and academic context. Whilst many of Martin’s students have gone on to become excellent practitioners and achieved notable success, it will always be Martin who trod the road ahead of them.
Martin Ashley: 16 December 1946 – 26 February 2021
Martin is survived by his wife Clerice and daughter Martina.
Photograph courtesy of Clerice Ashley.
Those wishing to contribute memories of Martin and well wishes to his friends and family can email communications@lcc.arts.ac.uk and this page will be updated with those submitted.
Martin's mantra for students was "show me, don't tell me" which everyone associated with him.
I remember that Martin always bought panettone for support staff at Christmas (with a twinkle in his eye, but not without ulterior motives!).
I would also like to acknowledge his involvement in the long drawn-out process, still not concluded, of the UK infected blood inquiry – including giving evidence at the Houses of Parliament.
Martin was a marvellous designer and educator, and, most pertinently I feel, confident in his own position to acknowledge a commitment to progressive methods and design, even if his work was steadily being confined to the plan chests and archives.
His lecture to the final year Graphic and Media Design course (where I asked him to build a presentation around an anecdote he shared with me regarding the redesign of corporate paperwork) left a sixth floor full of students spellbound.
I think most would agree that Martin was a true gentleman. I knew him first as a student and then later as a colleague. There were not two sides to this relationship, it was multi-faceted. He could initially come across as over serious, but that impression was given because he listened, and listened intently. A real skill. I knew that I could talk to him about almost anything and he would be responsive and interested.
He was refined, well educated, well mannered, but hidden beneath was quite an agent provocateur, he liked and embraced change, but also a creature of habit. Always punctual. I remember, as a very junior tutor, rigging his brand new Apple Mac to switch on automatically and say "Good Morning Martin, nice to see you". Then waited in the office to see his reaction. I was amazed, he looked slightly baffled for a moment and then accepted it, only days later did he ask me about it with a smile. He had a great, dry and sophisticated sense of humour, we frequently giggled over stuff – our tastes were different but complementary.
He was a great ally, to students and staff alike and greatly loved by both. On the serious stuff he was serious, followed up and pursued wrongs, provided support with a generous spirit. You knew that if you asked a question, you would get an honest answer even if it were one that might not sit well for everyone. I loved having him in on committee meetings, he brought a lot of knowledge to the table but was economical in what he said, when he talked, people listened.
He was a consummate typographer, I owe him an enormous debt. I learned a lot from him as a student but also as a fellow tutor – you really could have a subtle conversation with him at any time, but I loved that he could often interject something unexpected. When he retired from College, a rare, mature, considered opinion left with him and we missed it. Now that retirement is more permanent, I miss him all the more.
Martin was a gentleman, a brilliant mentor and collegiate pathway leader. Above all, he had a caring empathy for the students which was recognised and greatly appreciated by so many. His calm wisdom unruffled many a feather. I worked with Martin for around 15 years, from him mentoring me as a new tutor on the Information Design Pathway of BA GMD, to working alongside him with David Phillips to develop an information design programme which was second to none at undergraduate level. Martin had a deep understanding of the fundamentals of typography and information design and was a consummate master in imparting his knowledge and passion for these subjects to students and staff alike. It was a privilege to be a colleague and an honour to be his friend. He will be greatly missed.
I knew Martin as a fellow tutor from the time he started at the London College of Printing.
From the beginning I found him to be a responsive intelligent and dedicated tutor keen to make an honest and valuable contribution to the education of young students. This was evident in the attitude and concentrated energy he showed on behalf of students.
As well as being a colleague he became a friend and we spent many amusing and enjoyable times together socially. It is clear from the notes and comments made in the memory of others, in particually by ex-students, how well regarded he was by those he tutored. This is no surprise because Martin took his work seriously and conveyed his knowledge willingly and with due awareness of the character of those for whom he was responsible.
It might be said he possessed an ideal balance of scholarship with a respectful understanding of the sensitivity of those stepping out on their career pathways. Never one to score points at the expense of those with less maturity rather delighting in nurturing the essence of their individual approach to problem solving.
Although I retired from teaching over 20 years ago we maintained our friendship and continued to meet for lunch from time to time. I shall miss his company.
I will remember Martin, less as the great educator I knew he was, but more like the caring dad figure I got to know over my 12 years at LCC.
I was 26 when I started as an administrator in the School of Graphic Design and I wondered who was this calm, well-spoken man with the red neckerchief. He was always very formal with me but as the years went on I got to know a much softer caring Martin. We would often have lunch together in the College canteen and it always amused me that he felt it his right to head back to the counter and help himself to extra beans for his baked potato. The canteen staff didn’t seem to mind. He took the lack of beans situation very seriously.
Martin was always very generous with his time, whether it was to sit down to have a chat, or tell me about something interesting that his students were working on, or about one of his research projects. He would often tell me off for looking stressed or remind me about the importance of work life balance, and to get some sun!
He had a great perspective on life, he never got involved in petty politics or talked badly of others. I always felt calm in his presence, I loved listening to his stories and will always remember him fondly as a colleague and friend.
I attended the LCP (as was) between 1975 and 1978 and have nothing but good and warm memories of Martin. He, along with Leslie Howard were tutors on The Diploma in Typography course that I completed, all that time ago.
He always encouraged, rather than criticised when evaluating work, those methods stood me in good stead when I went on to run my own design department in an agency many years later. I gained a great deal from his approach and feel grateful that I met, and was tutored by him. Love and condolences to his family.
There are people in your career who have a profound influence, although you may not see it at the time. And Martin was definitely that for me. He set me on a path, and gave me what I needed to pursue it. I remember his amused smile and his roll neck jumpers and I am very grateful for his teaching and the opportunities he gave me. I am sure he will be missed.
I was very sad to hear that Martin had died. Recalling the time that we worked together it is his generosity and kindness that I remember most.
Martin was a gentleman, the epitome of urbane and affable. Twenty years ago when I first came to teach information design at the LCP Martin made everything so easy and simple. His equable nature and adaptability meant that all the planing for a year’s teaching could be completed over a convivial September lunch.
Rooted in the past but always looking ahead his presence was reassuring. Essentially as he had seen it all there were for him no surprises. Through his amusing stories of life at the LCP in the 1970s he connect staff and students to the significance of the past.
Martin continued to be a bulwark against the steady erosion of resources that occurred during his long teaching career. His teaching was always rooted in detail and structure. As so many of his student discovered through him it’s within the things that at first look boring that we can discover joy.
Despite Martin’s occasional misplaced anxiety about technology, which led to some comic moments, he remained current and engaged. Students recognised his depth of experience and valued his ability to explain complex things without fuss or jargon.