In 1915, Robin Day was born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire; two years later, Désirée Conradi (better known as Lucienne) was born in Coulsden, Surrey. Both would go on to become two of Britain’s most iconic, and much-loved, designers of the twentieth century and arguably of all time. Day met his future wife, Désirée Conradi, in 1940 at a dance at the Royal College of Art where she was studying printed textile design. They married in 1942, moved in to a flat in Chelsea and in 1952 settled in a house on Cheyne Walk which became their home and joint studio for the next 50 years. They moved to Chichester where they would spend the rest of their lives working. Celebrating their long careers and lives together, furniture designer Alys Bryan created 'Days in Sussex'—an opportunity to delve into the lives and work of Robin and Lucienne Day—to discover the inspiration, drive and passion of these designers directly from their daughter Paula Day. Alys was one of the Bucks New University Furniture MA students to visit Robin and Lucienne at their Chichester home in 2006.
"Days in Sussex is a wonderful opportunity to learn about two inspirational designers. I am fascinated to learn more about their early lives as well as the time they spent as our neighbours living in Sussex." Alys Bryan, Days in Sussex Organiser
Days in Sussex is an evening talk where Robin and Lucienne’s daughter Paula Day will speak about her parents’ lives and work, including their final years as residents of Chichester, and about the Foundation she has set up in their names. Paula will then take part in a conversation with a carefully selected expert panel, including Hemingway Design Director Gerardine Hemingway and John Lewis Designer Charlie Fowler, who will further explore the significance of their work in both a historical and current context. Following the reissue of Robin Day's 675 chair, in partnership with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation, We have partnered with Days In Sussex to support this one-off event marking the lives of two incredible designers.
Days In Sussex Fully Booked
The event was fully booked almost as quickly as it was published online, however there is an opportunity to hear Paula Day speaking about her parents work in the talk 'Design: managing the legacy of Robin & Lucienne Day'.