I know what you're thinking - not another post about Peter Saville. But what can I say, I'm a fan and in that spirit I am going to write this account in the style of Heat magazine and not mention design at all.
Raven haired Peter Saville took to the stage this evening at Logan Hall, Institute of Education for the first of the D&AD President's Lectures. The event was a sell out, allowing standing room only for those skinny jean students still knocking back pre-talk lager. Perhaps they thought that given Peter's disregard for deadlines, there would be time for one more. But no, he was here, sat waiting to begin, all smiles and engaged in enthusiastic conversation with Adrian Shaughnessy. Maybe laughing about being duped into thinking it was due to begin an hour earlier.
Then someone grabbed his eye. It was Neville Brody, another 80's typo legend and sat only two seats away from Studio in the next row. Peter clad in white levi's, bounded up the stairs toward the man famed for The Face and Arena, to embrace and exchange continental kisses. It was quite a moment kids. Now on with the show.
Adrian took the role of Paxman and warned us that Peter was a talker - once he starts, forget about being home in time for The Apprentice. Never mind the telly, as we're told tonight, the brand of Peter Saville is probably his best creation. A designer without a home, who chose to live at work - and he does have plenty to say.
The students present must have been comforted by the tale that when at art college he asked his friend Malcolm Garrett where to get a copy of 'Pioneers of Modern Typography' - Malc told him 'in the college library' - Peter replied, 'where's that?'. Mal now incredulous says, 'Peter, you're in the third year'. Adrian loved this – 'is Malcolm here - are you here Malcolm?' he asked the silent dark Hall.
Then some students in the Hall had their hearts broken, when they heard from Lord Peter that perhaps us hacks from the sticks try harder - and that maybe Saint Martin students consider themselves already brilliant. Controversial stuff, which perhaps prompted a few asymmetric haircuts to grab their bags and leave. Perhaps with art, sex and takeaways on their minds – who knows.
Studio was disappointed that Kerry Katona, Girls Aloud or even Dale Winton didn't make the show. But those guys missed out on the designer who helped Wham! make it big. Or as Peter often tells Manchester City Council, 'make it better'.
(Studio now takes off Heat mask) Obviously there was much more. Interesting to hear that despite his stressful stay at Pentagram (Alan Fletcher told him that his work wasn't graphic design) that every day since he has drawn upon the business wisdom he learnt there. And how did he get the job as Creative Director of Manchester City Council? He had been considered by the selection board as being extremely rude and very honest regarding his home town. But he was successful despite his frankness because the board felt that the reason he was so rude, was because he cared.
Here's St.Peter on Banksy and Damien Hurst. Hold tight.
Peter Saville Q&A: What do you think of Banksy? from D&AD on Vimeo.
Normal Studio service will resume in the next post with exclusive pictures of Brad and Angelina (only kidding, or am I?).
More on the D&AD President Lectures here.
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