Tony Forster

Tony Forster (1941-2008) was a renowned British designer, lettering artist, and calligrapher. Throughout, his long career, he made significant contributions to the design world, even without a formal design education. His journey is one of passion, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to both design and education, inspiring many in the field.

Tony was born in 1941 in Warrington, Lancashire. Growing up without the structure of formal design education, he began his career at the young age of sixteen, taking a job as a junior designer at Artel Studios in Manchester. This early opportunity allowed him to develop his talent through practical experience rather than textbooks, which laid the foundation for his future success.

In 1976, Tony formed a design partnership called FC & M Design Partnership. He teamed up with Keith Murgatroyd and Wendy Conibear. This partnership was a significant step in Tony's career and allowed him to collaborate with other talented designers. In 1980, Tony became a director at Royle/Murgatroyd Design Associates. Here, he worked on projects for high-profile clients, including well-known brands and corporations. His creativity and leadership made him a well-respected figure in the design community. From there, Tony went on to work as a creative director at Drawing Board in Manchester. During his time there, he led a variety of design projects, including corporate identity, print, and packaging design. He held this position until 1995. His time at Drawing Board was marked by his creative vision and dedication to quality design. He also did numerous freelance and lettering work for corporations of all sizes like Paperchase, 1970s Rock Band 10cc, and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tony was not just focused on his professional work; he also believed in giving back to the design community through education. He taught for many years at Bolton, helping to shape the next generation of designers. His commitment to education showed his passion for design and his desire to share his knowledge.

In 1997, Tony reformed his design practice, setting up a studio in his home in Tyldesley, Manchester. Working from home allowed him to continue his creative work on his own terms, maintaining his deep connection to the design world.

Tony Forster passed away in 2008. His career is a testament to hard work, creativity, and passion for design. Despite not having formal education, his dedication allowed him to become a successful designer and educator. His legacy continues to inspire many in the design community.

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