Stories About Phil Baines

As a sculptor working within a Graphic Design course I generally felt very intimidated and out of my depth at CSM.When I first met Phil it was through being set the impossible task of ‘helping’ him to organise and clear parts of his cave of Type at the college. I very quickly learnt that my endeavours were not appreciated and I was not welcome. However, maybe as a distraction technique, he learnt that my efforts would be slowed or halted entirely if he told me about the way different letter forms from the collection were made and the history and evolution of sign manufacturing. His sheer excitement for letters was infectious and in the end we compromised: clearing some of the signs and lettering out of the space - so long as he could then satirically arrange them throughout the studios and college.

Phil made type captivating and fun in a way I never anticipated or even thought possible. His love and passion for the medium shined through so intensely it changed my whole practice.

Ta Mr Baines, It was an absolute privilege to work with you at the University O farts London.

Mike McShane

I was working with Phil on famous Beatles illustrator Alan Aldridge's "Kaleidoscope Eyes" biography. Phil wasn't happy with the quality of the photographs of Alan's work, so we had the original illustrations shipped over from the States. It was a nail-biting affair, as they were all priceless, of course. After they arrived, Phil looked at them, all sitting on a desk in a neat stack, and said with his cheeky smile: "You know Max, we could just sell them all and never work again. We'd have to flee the country, though. You in?"

What I loved most about Phil was that he was utterly professional and painfully detail-obsessed, but paired it all effortlessly with warm humanity, and a witty humour that made work always feel more like play.

Play on, Phil, wherever you are.

Max Ackermann

'Optima', a humanist sans-serif typeface designed by Hermann Zapf and released by the D. Stempel AG foundry, Frankfurt, West Germany in 1958.

"Optima, a typeface with flares, avoid it."

I did what you said, Phil. In fact everything you said and did was an education. I've just got back from a short trip away and my camera reel is full of photos of signs and vernacular letting, some extreme close ups, Phil would love that 'S'...

Fondest memory? Well, it has to be casting concrete letters for Westminster Cathedral, in the garden at Willesden Green, whilst listening to The Fall, on a Summer's day.

"So drink a long draught,

For the Hip Priest"

Peter Clarke

A portrait of Phil from a shoot during my second year at Central Saint Martins, Long Acre—when I photographed all of the tutors and technicians with a memorable object. Phil arrived with his letter set. As an image maker (I spent most of my time in the darkroom) I wasn’t particularly well versed in typography.

Somewhat ambitiously, I decided to design and typeset my dissertation as a book… with what can only be described as a saintly patience, Phil marked up my entire document with his red pen (there was a lot) and initiated me in the joys of typography… em dashes and all.

It was many years after graduating that our paths crossed again, in the context of Boyle&Perks when we spoke with him for advice on creating CSM SHIFTS.

He reminded me it needed to be anarchic… which was one of the key drivers in making the headline font randomised.

I feel lucky to have had such encounters with a very special tutor.

Elaine Perks

It was on a Typography Interest Group (TSI 13) trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, meticulously organized by Phil, where I witnessed how inspirational he really was. The trip coincided with my birthday. What a privilege. Among serious things on that trip, historic and visually related, I witnessed him serving breakfast to students, the same way he would do to his children.

10 years past that trip, another coincidence. On the day Spring begins, who would say we would be sat at CSM celebrating his legacy as a brilliant graphic designer, typographer, educator, and as a person.

Phil was one of my Ph.D supervisors at CSM, what another privilege, with whom I felt encouraged and further learned to critically articulate innovation from tradition, drawing from the context.

Thank you Phil. Much love, Pedro.

Pedro Carvalho de Almeida

I can still recall his delightful (and sometimes frightening) tutorials from the 2nd year BA Graphic Design Course at CSM, that if you were lucky carried on into to the local pub next door to the college.

Apart from teaching us the basics of type and book design, he showed me the way to letterpress. At the tiny workshop in the basement of the Southampton Row building, I did my very first prints (that I still conserve). Thank you Phil! Also for the many recommendations on books and further readings and activities related to typography, like touring London for old signs. Something that taught us to appreciate and conserve local design history, like we are trying to do here on the Canary Islands where I now live.

Lars Petter Amundsen

Phil was a good friend of my late son Justin Howes who died in 2005 and bequeathed his Stanhope Press which used to belong to Eric Gill to the Museum in Ditchling. Phil made it ready for transport and installed it and demonstrated to the then Duchess of Cornwall on her visit on 26 March 2014. He was also very kind to my late husband Brian and me over the years.

Mimi Howes

He touched so many peoples lives. Not only those of us who were lucky enough to have been fellow students back in the day but the hundreds (maybe thousands?!) of CSM students he inspired and nourished. It’s a phenomenal legacy he leaves behind. Not only a teacher, typographic genius and historian but a true gentle man and friend. RIP Phil my old mucker. I’ll miss you and your wicked dry sense of humour.

Andy Altmann

.. can scarcely believe I find myself writing these words, but Phil, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything. You have been and will undoubtedly remain a tremendous source of inspiration – be it in your creativity, unwavering focus, or your reminders of what it truly means to be a skilled typographer. Your ability to show us how to create contemporary work while respecting our historical roots was a revelation. It has been very emotional reading the numerous comments about you, what comes through very strongly is how many students you helped and motivated too – what a wonderful legacy. Thank you Phil.

Jonathan Barnbrook

Phil was a key building block in my creative adventure. In September 1981 on Foundation I met an ex-trainee Priest who was handy with the Staedtler, loved Deltic engines and clearly had room for Claire Grogan. He became an integral player in that influential year. He took some stick and threw it back via his acerbic wit and we loved him for it. Religion, New Order, British Rail, Altered Images, Type, The Underground, John Peel, The Twisted Wheel, Carlisle dinner ladies, you see I’m rambling now? Phil would never ramble. He had something we all wanted, discipline and talent. Sending love & strength to his family, God speed Deltic boy.

David Carruthers

Besides meeting Phil via Mr. Nicholson I also had Phil as a tutor at CSM at Long Acre. I vividly remember him skipping up the stair in his rather tight cycling gear with his bike under one arm. I also remember him showing us sketches of the candle designs he was working on with added type by a very young Felicity - so lovely to see them all in his exhibition recently. A very knowledgeable tutor who will be greatly missed.

Mette-Sofie D. Ambeck

Not only was he a fabulously kind person, but his work was utterly original and consistently inspiring to the last.

I owe him a great debt as he was the person who rescued me from near disaster when I was like a rabbit in headlights days before my degree show. I just stood in the studio saying "all my work is utter shit and I don't know what to do!!"

I will always remember him telling me to "get a grip" and saying "for God's sake Perry, you're meant to be having some fun and enjoying yourself!" It was the wakeup call I needed (and occasionally still do!) He then rolled his sleeves up, made me laugh and helped me set-up the silkscreen posters I was doing and was just utterly fantastic.

I wish I had stayed in touch as I don't think I ever really thanked him for that.

To his family, friends, and all who knew him, please accept my heartfelt condolences. The world has lost a truly original spirit, but his legacy will no doubt live on in the countless students and colleagues he inspired, one of which is me.

Perry Haydn Taylor

I’m incredibly sad as everyone who knew him will feel. It’s heartening to know that Phil could reflect on his creative career, seeing his retrospective writ large recently in the Lethaby Gallery and the great impact the show has had. I have such fond memories of Phil, particularly as a fellow northerner, his Cumbrian tones and acerbic wit. Phil was such a talented, modest, intelligent, committed professional - researcher, teacher, designer, conserver, typographer, friend and colleague. Phil’s spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, he taught. The expert knowledge and skills he engendered are his legacy. It was a privilege and honour to have ‘the Prof’ as a colleague and friend. We would always greet each other with ‘Hi Bainsey’

Alan Baines

Phil was an amazing tutor and a true inspiration ... I will forever remember his fantastic cycling outfits and his office full of type treasures.

Philippine Sohet

He was a great neighbour and I always think of him when I see the street sign he restored. The detail he went to to get the right colours. I loved how precise he was.

Richard Tilbury

Phil was such a kind & generous man and inspirational tutor. He set me on the path l'm still following and like so many other CSM alumni I owe a huge debt to him for his teaching and especially typographic knowledge & passion. Gone too soon but what a legacy!

Justin Knopp

So grateful to have had Phil as a tutor, and to have had the chance to join one of his legendary TSI trips to Florence

Kristian Hjorth Berge

Phil was the first teacher that I met at Central Saint Martins, he was a remarkable mentor and a pioneer in the realms of typography and layout design. He has left and indelible impact on my career and personal growth.

Lily Chen Liu

I hope you may take comfort from the messages of the many designers he both taught and inspired (I count myself very lucky to have been one of them at CSM). The cycling outfits and the smile sit alongside his work and his tuition-all as fresh as a daisy

Andrea Chappell

Phil was the best. I always cherish the fond memories we had over his nightcaps, his kindness, generosity, humour and mischiefs.

Yingtong Tan

It was my honour and privilege to work with Phil for many, many years at CSM. Of course he was a legend in his field But it is his smile, humour and sarcasm that I will remember. He always lightened my mood.

Gary Wallis

Phil was such a special one. A brave one. A fun one. I hear his laugh. He'll live on in all of us, in his work and in the work we all do too. You were the best Phil. Thank you for everything. Will miss you.

Regine Stefan-Aboud

Teacher, colleague, friend and all-round inspiration. Phil had a huge impact on those he taught, and on the disciplines of design and typography. An extraordinary legacy, we owe him so much. Ta-ra Phil.

Martin McGrath

I loved Phil, he was a great drawing board mate at Carlisle. We went to gigs, Altered Images, New Order, Haircut 100k. Danced to all the trendy bands at The Twisted Wheel. Got into a few scrapes along the way, but always had fun. Loved visiting him and the others at their Temple on Longacre! He was a major part of a large friendship group at Carlisle. Great memories. The perfect Type!

Chris Boyles

Phil was such an inspiring and humorous teacher. He made me see the space on a piece of paper (and fill it!) and study handwritten signs with new eyes. As well as a lesson in what a proper cup of English tea is. Things that spark the art and everyday life.

Hanna Werning

Phil was an absolute force of nature in every sense. A wonderful colleague, designer, and human being. ... We are very much poorer within our community today. He was the funniest person I've ever worked with and made me smile every day.

Sheena Calvert

Since encountering him as an undergrad at CSM in Long Acre, he proved to be a lifelong teacher, mentor and friend. A visionary. Never recovered from his influence-and like so many of us, never will.

Clare Bell

Phil was a true individual and brought a calm sense of balance to our RCA madness. I hope there's another Phil studying there right now.

Howard Greenhalgh

The time spent with Phil was some of the best. Conversations I had with him then still play over and over in my head. And that smile. Ever present.

F. Ron Miller

... We studied together at St Martins and the RCA, sharing a flat befitting of the Young Ones for several years. He was a unique personality. A little bit older than most of his fellow students, having studied to be a priest for three years before attending art school. This background gave him an incredibly disciplined approach to almost everything he did. As a first year student he was already well read and knowledgeable about design and typography - a natural teacher he was always happy to share this knowledge with others. He taught me so much, making me look at typography in a complete new light. One day at college he casually handed me a copy of Herbert Spencer's 'Pioneers of Modern Typography' and said 'Andy, I think you may like this! It changed my life. Until then I had thought of typography as an incredibly dull occupation, carried out by men with beards and tweed jackets. I have much to thank you for Phil. Rest in peace my friend. I'll miss that wit and that smile. We had some fun back in the day. You made a positive and indelible mark on so many peoples lives.

Andy Altmann

It’s 37 years since I met Phil at the RCA, those early days in the top floor studio were a joyous inspiration. Teaching with him at CSM in Long Acre, then on to Southampton Row was extraordinary. Writing and designing with Phil was a wonderful mixture of knowledge, leg pulling and laughter.

Andrew Haslam

Like all others who were lucky enough to be taught by Phil at Central St Martins, his influence on my passion for typography and design has always stuck with me. It’s been literally thousands of times that I’ve looked at something and said - ‘What would Phil Baines say?’

As I was graduating in 2005, he had just finished writing the iconic Penguin by Design book, something I read cover to cover and still have on my shelf now.

Many years later, while I was Creative Director at Penguin, I re-united with Phil to get his advice on a type project we were looking into. It was great to see him again and felt like we had come full circle in some way. Even then, all those years later he taught me things about type I hadn’t seen before.

Rest in peace Phil and thanks for always giving me ‘five minutes’.

Tim Lane

As a sculptor working within a Graphic Design course I generally felt very intimidated and out of my depth at CSM.When I first met Phil it was through being set the impossible task of ‘helping’ him to organise and clear parts of his cave of Type at the college. I very quickly learnt that my endeavours were not appreciated and I was not welcome. However, maybe as a distraction technique, he learnt that my efforts would be slowed or halted entirely if he told me about the way different letter forms from the collection were made and the history and evolution of sign manufacturing. His sheer excitement for letters was infectious and in the end we compromised: clearing some of the signs and lettering out of the space - so long as he could then satirically arrange them throughout the studios and college.

Phil made type captivating and fun in a way I never anticipated or even thought possible. His love and passion for the medium shined through so intensely it changed my whole practice.

Ta Mr Baines, It was an absolute privilege to work with you at the University O farts London.

Mike McShane

I was working with Phil on famous Beatles illustrator Alan Aldridge's "Kaleidoscope Eyes" biography. Phil wasn't happy with the quality of the photographs of Alan's work, so we had the original illustrations shipped over from the States. It was a nail-biting affair, as they were all priceless, of course. After they arrived, Phil looked at them, all sitting on a desk in a neat stack, and said with his cheeky smile: "You know Max, we could just sell them all and never work again. We'd have to flee the country, though. You in?"

What I loved most about Phil was that he was utterly professional and painfully detail-obsessed, but paired it all effortlessly with warm humanity, and a witty humour that made work always feel more like play.

Play on, Phil, wherever you are.

Max Ackermann

'Optima', a humanist sans-serif typeface designed by Hermann Zapf and released by the D. Stempel AG foundry, Frankfurt, West Germany in 1958.

"Optima, a typeface with flares, avoid it."

I did what you said, Phil. In fact everything you said and did was an education. I've just got back from a short trip away and my camera reel is full of photos of signs and vernacular letting, some extreme close ups, Phil would love that 'S'...

Fondest memory? Well, it has to be casting concrete letters for Westminster Cathedral, in the garden at Willesden Green, whilst listening to The Fall, on a Summer's day.

"So drink a long draught,

For the Hip Priest"

Peter Clarke

A portrait of Phil from a shoot during my second year at Central Saint Martins, Long Acre—when I photographed all of the tutors and technicians with a memorable object. Phil arrived with his letter set. As an image maker (I spent most of my time in the darkroom) I wasn’t particularly well versed in typography.

Somewhat ambitiously, I decided to design and typeset my dissertation as a book… with what can only be described as a saintly patience, Phil marked up my entire document with his red pen (there was a lot) and initiated me in the joys of typography… em dashes and all.

It was many years after graduating that our paths crossed again, in the context of Boyle&Perks when we spoke with him for advice on creating CSM SHIFTS.

He reminded me it needed to be anarchic… which was one of the key drivers in making the headline font randomised.

I feel lucky to have had such encounters with a very special tutor.

Elaine Perks

It was on a Typography Interest Group (TSI 13) trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, meticulously organized by Phil, where I witnessed how inspirational he really was. The trip coincided with my birthday. What a privilege. Among serious things on that trip, historic and visually related, I witnessed him serving breakfast to students, the same way he would do to his children.

10 years past that trip, another coincidence. On the day Spring begins, who would say we would be sat at CSM celebrating his legacy as a brilliant graphic designer, typographer, educator, and as a person.

Phil was one of my Ph.D supervisors at CSM, what another privilege, with whom I felt encouraged and further learned to critically articulate innovation from tradition, drawing from the context.

Thank you Phil. Much love, Pedro.

Pedro Carvalho de Almeida

I can still recall his delightful (and sometimes frightening) tutorials from the 2nd year BA Graphic Design Course at CSM, that if you were lucky carried on into to the local pub next door to the college.

Apart from teaching us the basics of type and book design, he showed me the way to letterpress. At the tiny workshop in the basement of the Southampton Row building, I did my very first prints (that I still conserve). Thank you Phil! Also for the many recommendations on books and further readings and activities related to typography, like touring London for old signs. Something that taught us to appreciate and conserve local design history, like we are trying to do here on the Canary Islands where I now live.

Lars Petter Amundsen

Phil was a good friend of my late son Justin Howes who died in 2005 and bequeathed his Stanhope Press which used to belong to Eric Gill to the Museum in Ditchling. Phil made it ready for transport and installed it and demonstrated to the then Duchess of Cornwall on her visit on 26 March 2014. He was also very kind to my late husband Brian and me over the years.

Mimi Howes

He touched so many peoples lives. Not only those of us who were lucky enough to have been fellow students back in the day but the hundreds (maybe thousands?!) of CSM students he inspired and nourished. It’s a phenomenal legacy he leaves behind. Not only a teacher, typographic genius and historian but a true gentle man and friend. RIP Phil my old mucker. I’ll miss you and your wicked dry sense of humour.

Andy Altmann

.. can scarcely believe I find myself writing these words, but Phil, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything. You have been and will undoubtedly remain a tremendous source of inspiration – be it in your creativity, unwavering focus, or your reminders of what it truly means to be a skilled typographer. Your ability to show us how to create contemporary work while respecting our historical roots was a revelation. It has been very emotional reading the numerous comments about you, what comes through very strongly is how many students you helped and motivated too – what a wonderful legacy. Thank you Phil.

Jonathan Barnbrook

Phil was a key building block in my creative adventure. In September 1981 on Foundation I met an ex-trainee Priest who was handy with the Staedtler, loved Deltic engines and clearly had room for Claire Grogan. He became an integral player in that influential year. He took some stick and threw it back via his acerbic wit and we loved him for it. Religion, New Order, British Rail, Altered Images, Type, The Underground, John Peel, The Twisted Wheel, Carlisle dinner ladies, you see I’m rambling now? Phil would never ramble. He had something we all wanted, discipline and talent. Sending love & strength to his family, God speed Deltic boy.

David Carruthers

Besides meeting Phil via Mr. Nicholson I also had Phil as a tutor at CSM at Long Acre. I vividly remember him skipping up the stair in his rather tight cycling gear with his bike under one arm. I also remember him showing us sketches of the candle designs he was working on with added type by a very young Felicity - so lovely to see them all in his exhibition recently. A very knowledgeable tutor who will be greatly missed.

Mette-Sofie D. Ambeck

Not only was he a fabulously kind person, but his work was utterly original and consistently inspiring to the last.

I owe him a great debt as he was the person who rescued me from near disaster when I was like a rabbit in headlights days before my degree show. I just stood in the studio saying "all my work is utter shit and I don't know what to do!!"

I will always remember him telling me to "get a grip" and saying "for God's sake Perry, you're meant to be having some fun and enjoying yourself!" It was the wakeup call I needed (and occasionally still do!) He then rolled his sleeves up, made me laugh and helped me set-up the silkscreen posters I was doing and was just utterly fantastic.

I wish I had stayed in touch as I don't think I ever really thanked him for that.

To his family, friends, and all who knew him, please accept my heartfelt condolences. The world has lost a truly original spirit, but his legacy will no doubt live on in the countless students and colleagues he inspired, one of which is me.

Perry Haydn Taylor

I’m incredibly sad as everyone who knew him will feel. It’s heartening to know that Phil could reflect on his creative career, seeing his retrospective writ large recently in the Lethaby Gallery and the great impact the show has had. I have such fond memories of Phil, particularly as a fellow northerner, his Cumbrian tones and acerbic wit. Phil was such a talented, modest, intelligent, committed professional - researcher, teacher, designer, conserver, typographer, friend and colleague. Phil’s spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, he taught. The expert knowledge and skills he engendered are his legacy. It was a privilege and honour to have ‘the Prof’ as a colleague and friend. We would always greet each other with ‘Hi Bainsey’

Alan Baines

Phil was an amazing tutor and a true inspiration ... I will forever remember his fantastic cycling outfits and his office full of type treasures.

Philippine Sohet

He was a great neighbour and I always think of him when I see the street sign he restored. The detail he went to to get the right colours. I loved how precise he was.

Richard Tilbury

Phil was such a kind & generous man and inspirational tutor. He set me on the path l'm still following and like so many other CSM alumni I owe a huge debt to him for his teaching and especially typographic knowledge & passion. Gone too soon but what a legacy!

Justin Knopp

So grateful to have had Phil as a tutor, and to have had the chance to join one of his legendary TSI trips to Florence

Kristian Hjorth Berge

Phil was the first teacher that I met at Central Saint Martins, he was a remarkable mentor and a pioneer in the realms of typography and layout design. He has left and indelible impact on my career and personal growth.

Lily Chen Liu

I hope you may take comfort from the messages of the many designers he both taught and inspired (I count myself very lucky to have been one of them at CSM). The cycling outfits and the smile sit alongside his work and his tuition-all as fresh as a daisy

Andrea Chappell

Phil was the best. I always cherish the fond memories we had over his nightcaps, his kindness, generosity, humour and mischiefs.

Yingtong Tan

It was my honour and privilege to work with Phil for many, many years at CSM. Of course he was a legend in his field But it is his smile, humour and sarcasm that I will remember. He always lightened my mood.

Gary Wallis

Phil was such a special one. A brave one. A fun one. I hear his laugh. He'll live on in all of us, in his work and in the work we all do too. You were the best Phil. Thank you for everything. Will miss you.

Regine Stefan-Aboud

Teacher, colleague, friend and all-round inspiration. Phil had a huge impact on those he taught, and on the disciplines of design and typography. An extraordinary legacy, we owe him so much. Ta-ra Phil.

Martin McGrath

I loved Phil, he was a great drawing board mate at Carlisle. We went to gigs, Altered Images, New Order, Haircut 100k. Danced to all the trendy bands at The Twisted Wheel. Got into a few scrapes along the way, but always had fun. Loved visiting him and the others at their Temple on Longacre! He was a major part of a large friendship group at Carlisle. Great memories. The perfect Type!

Chris Boyles

Phil was such an inspiring and humorous teacher. He made me see the space on a piece of paper (and fill it!) and study handwritten signs with new eyes. As well as a lesson in what a proper cup of English tea is. Things that spark the art and everyday life.

Hanna Werning

Phil was an absolute force of nature in every sense. A wonderful colleague, designer, and human being. ... We are very much poorer within our community today. He was the funniest person I've ever worked with and made me smile every day.

Sheena Calvert

Since encountering him as an undergrad at CSM in Long Acre, he proved to be a lifelong teacher, mentor and friend. A visionary. Never recovered from his influence-and like so many of us, never will.

Clare Bell

Phil was a true individual and brought a calm sense of balance to our RCA madness. I hope there's another Phil studying there right now.

Howard Greenhalgh

The time spent with Phil was some of the best. Conversations I had with him then still play over and over in my head. And that smile. Ever present.

F. Ron Miller

... We studied together at St Martins and the RCA, sharing a flat befitting of the Young Ones for several years. He was a unique personality. A little bit older than most of his fellow students, having studied to be a priest for three years before attending art school. This background gave him an incredibly disciplined approach to almost everything he did. As a first year student he was already well read and knowledgeable about design and typography - a natural teacher he was always happy to share this knowledge with others. He taught me so much, making me look at typography in a complete new light. One day at college he casually handed me a copy of Herbert Spencer's 'Pioneers of Modern Typography' and said 'Andy, I think you may like this! It changed my life. Until then I had thought of typography as an incredibly dull occupation, carried out by men with beards and tweed jackets. I have much to thank you for Phil. Rest in peace my friend. I'll miss that wit and that smile. We had some fun back in the day. You made a positive and indelible mark on so many peoples lives.

Andy Altmann

It’s 37 years since I met Phil at the RCA, those early days in the top floor studio were a joyous inspiration. Teaching with him at CSM in Long Acre, then on to Southampton Row was extraordinary. Writing and designing with Phil was a wonderful mixture of knowledge, leg pulling and laughter.

Andrew Haslam

Like all others who were lucky enough to be taught by Phil at Central St Martins, his influence on my passion for typography and design has always stuck with me. It’s been literally thousands of times that I’ve looked at something and said - ‘What would Phil Baines say?’

As I was graduating in 2005, he had just finished writing the iconic Penguin by Design book, something I read cover to cover and still have on my shelf now.

Many years later, while I was Creative Director at Penguin, I re-united with Phil to get his advice on a type project we were looking into. It was great to see him again and felt like we had come full circle in some way. Even then, all those years later he taught me things about type I hadn’t seen before.

Rest in peace Phil and thanks for always giving me ‘five minutes’.

Tim Lane

As a sculptor working within a Graphic Design course I generally felt very intimidated and out of my depth at CSM.When I first met Phil it was through being set the impossible task of ‘helping’ him to organise and clear parts of his cave of Type at the college. I very quickly learnt that my endeavours were not appreciated and I was not welcome. However, maybe as a distraction technique, he learnt that my efforts would be slowed or halted entirely if he told me about the way different letter forms from the collection were made and the history and evolution of sign manufacturing. His sheer excitement for letters was infectious and in the end we compromised: clearing some of the signs and lettering out of the space - so long as he could then satirically arrange them throughout the studios and college.

Phil made type captivating and fun in a way I never anticipated or even thought possible. His love and passion for the medium shined through so intensely it changed my whole practice.

Ta Mr Baines, It was an absolute privilege to work with you at the University O farts London.

Mike McShane

I was working with Phil on famous Beatles illustrator Alan Aldridge's "Kaleidoscope Eyes" biography. Phil wasn't happy with the quality of the photographs of Alan's work, so we had the original illustrations shipped over from the States. It was a nail-biting affair, as they were all priceless, of course. After they arrived, Phil looked at them, all sitting on a desk in a neat stack, and said with his cheeky smile: "You know Max, we could just sell them all and never work again. We'd have to flee the country, though. You in?"

What I loved most about Phil was that he was utterly professional and painfully detail-obsessed, but paired it all effortlessly with warm humanity, and a witty humour that made work always feel more like play.

Play on, Phil, wherever you are.

Max Ackermann

'Optima', a humanist sans-serif typeface designed by Hermann Zapf and released by the D. Stempel AG foundry, Frankfurt, West Germany in 1958.

"Optima, a typeface with flares, avoid it."

I did what you said, Phil. In fact everything you said and did was an education. I've just got back from a short trip away and my camera reel is full of photos of signs and vernacular letting, some extreme close ups, Phil would love that 'S'...

Fondest memory? Well, it has to be casting concrete letters for Westminster Cathedral, in the garden at Willesden Green, whilst listening to The Fall, on a Summer's day.

"So drink a long draught,

For the Hip Priest"

Peter Clarke

A portrait of Phil from a shoot during my second year at Central Saint Martins, Long Acre—when I photographed all of the tutors and technicians with a memorable object. Phil arrived with his letter set. As an image maker (I spent most of my time in the darkroom) I wasn’t particularly well versed in typography.

Somewhat ambitiously, I decided to design and typeset my dissertation as a book… with what can only be described as a saintly patience, Phil marked up my entire document with his red pen (there was a lot) and initiated me in the joys of typography… em dashes and all.

It was many years after graduating that our paths crossed again, in the context of Boyle&Perks when we spoke with him for advice on creating CSM SHIFTS.

He reminded me it needed to be anarchic… which was one of the key drivers in making the headline font randomised.

I feel lucky to have had such encounters with a very special tutor.

Elaine Perks

It was on a Typography Interest Group (TSI 13) trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, meticulously organized by Phil, where I witnessed how inspirational he really was. The trip coincided with my birthday. What a privilege. Among serious things on that trip, historic and visually related, I witnessed him serving breakfast to students, the same way he would do to his children.

10 years past that trip, another coincidence. On the day Spring begins, who would say we would be sat at CSM celebrating his legacy as a brilliant graphic designer, typographer, educator, and as a person.

Phil was one of my Ph.D supervisors at CSM, what another privilege, with whom I felt encouraged and further learned to critically articulate innovation from tradition, drawing from the context.

Thank you Phil. Much love, Pedro.

Pedro Carvalho de Almeida

I can still recall his delightful (and sometimes frightening) tutorials from the 2nd year BA Graphic Design Course at CSM, that if you were lucky carried on into to the local pub next door to the college.

Apart from teaching us the basics of type and book design, he showed me the way to letterpress. At the tiny workshop in the basement of the Southampton Row building, I did my very first prints (that I still conserve). Thank you Phil! Also for the many recommendations on books and further readings and activities related to typography, like touring London for old signs. Something that taught us to appreciate and conserve local design history, like we are trying to do here on the Canary Islands where I now live.

Lars Petter Amundsen

Phil was a good friend of my late son Justin Howes who died in 2005 and bequeathed his Stanhope Press which used to belong to Eric Gill to the Museum in Ditchling. Phil made it ready for transport and installed it and demonstrated to the then Duchess of Cornwall on her visit on 26 March 2014. He was also very kind to my late husband Brian and me over the years.

Mimi Howes

He touched so many peoples lives. Not only those of us who were lucky enough to have been fellow students back in the day but the hundreds (maybe thousands?!) of CSM students he inspired and nourished. It’s a phenomenal legacy he leaves behind. Not only a teacher, typographic genius and historian but a true gentle man and friend. RIP Phil my old mucker. I’ll miss you and your wicked dry sense of humour.

Andy Altmann

.. can scarcely believe I find myself writing these words, but Phil, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything. You have been and will undoubtedly remain a tremendous source of inspiration – be it in your creativity, unwavering focus, or your reminders of what it truly means to be a skilled typographer. Your ability to show us how to create contemporary work while respecting our historical roots was a revelation. It has been very emotional reading the numerous comments about you, what comes through very strongly is how many students you helped and motivated too – what a wonderful legacy. Thank you Phil.

Jonathan Barnbrook

Phil was a key building block in my creative adventure. In September 1981 on Foundation I met an ex-trainee Priest who was handy with the Staedtler, loved Deltic engines and clearly had room for Claire Grogan. He became an integral player in that influential year. He took some stick and threw it back via his acerbic wit and we loved him for it. Religion, New Order, British Rail, Altered Images, Type, The Underground, John Peel, The Twisted Wheel, Carlisle dinner ladies, you see I’m rambling now? Phil would never ramble. He had something we all wanted, discipline and talent. Sending love & strength to his family, God speed Deltic boy.

David Carruthers

Besides meeting Phil via Mr. Nicholson I also had Phil as a tutor at CSM at Long Acre. I vividly remember him skipping up the stair in his rather tight cycling gear with his bike under one arm. I also remember him showing us sketches of the candle designs he was working on with added type by a very young Felicity - so lovely to see them all in his exhibition recently. A very knowledgeable tutor who will be greatly missed.

Mette-Sofie D. Ambeck

Not only was he a fabulously kind person, but his work was utterly original and consistently inspiring to the last.

I owe him a great debt as he was the person who rescued me from near disaster when I was like a rabbit in headlights days before my degree show. I just stood in the studio saying "all my work is utter shit and I don't know what to do!!"

I will always remember him telling me to "get a grip" and saying "for God's sake Perry, you're meant to be having some fun and enjoying yourself!" It was the wakeup call I needed (and occasionally still do!) He then rolled his sleeves up, made me laugh and helped me set-up the silkscreen posters I was doing and was just utterly fantastic.

I wish I had stayed in touch as I don't think I ever really thanked him for that.

To his family, friends, and all who knew him, please accept my heartfelt condolences. The world has lost a truly original spirit, but his legacy will no doubt live on in the countless students and colleagues he inspired, one of which is me.

Perry Haydn Taylor

I’m incredibly sad as everyone who knew him will feel. It’s heartening to know that Phil could reflect on his creative career, seeing his retrospective writ large recently in the Lethaby Gallery and the great impact the show has had. I have such fond memories of Phil, particularly as a fellow northerner, his Cumbrian tones and acerbic wit. Phil was such a talented, modest, intelligent, committed professional - researcher, teacher, designer, conserver, typographer, friend and colleague. Phil’s spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, he taught. The expert knowledge and skills he engendered are his legacy. It was a privilege and honour to have ‘the Prof’ as a colleague and friend. We would always greet each other with ‘Hi Bainsey’

Alan Baines

Phil was an amazing tutor and a true inspiration ... I will forever remember his fantastic cycling outfits and his office full of type treasures.

Philippine Sohet

He was a great neighbour and I always think of him when I see the street sign he restored. The detail he went to to get the right colours. I loved how precise he was.

Richard Tilbury

Phil was such a kind & generous man and inspirational tutor. He set me on the path l'm still following and like so many other CSM alumni I owe a huge debt to him for his teaching and especially typographic knowledge & passion. Gone too soon but what a legacy!

Justin Knopp

So grateful to have had Phil as a tutor, and to have had the chance to join one of his legendary TSI trips to Florence

Kristian Hjorth Berge

Phil was the first teacher that I met at Central Saint Martins, he was a remarkable mentor and a pioneer in the realms of typography and layout design. He has left and indelible impact on my career and personal growth.

Lily Chen Liu

I hope you may take comfort from the messages of the many designers he both taught and inspired (I count myself very lucky to have been one of them at CSM). The cycling outfits and the smile sit alongside his work and his tuition-all as fresh as a daisy

Andrea Chappell

Phil was the best. I always cherish the fond memories we had over his nightcaps, his kindness, generosity, humour and mischiefs.

Yingtong Tan

It was my honour and privilege to work with Phil for many, many years at CSM. Of course he was a legend in his field But it is his smile, humour and sarcasm that I will remember. He always lightened my mood.

Gary Wallis

Phil was such a special one. A brave one. A fun one. I hear his laugh. He'll live on in all of us, in his work and in the work we all do too. You were the best Phil. Thank you for everything. Will miss you.

Regine Stefan-Aboud

Teacher, colleague, friend and all-round inspiration. Phil had a huge impact on those he taught, and on the disciplines of design and typography. An extraordinary legacy, we owe him so much. Ta-ra Phil.

Martin McGrath

I loved Phil, he was a great drawing board mate at Carlisle. We went to gigs, Altered Images, New Order, Haircut 100k. Danced to all the trendy bands at The Twisted Wheel. Got into a few scrapes along the way, but always had fun. Loved visiting him and the others at their Temple on Longacre! He was a major part of a large friendship group at Carlisle. Great memories. The perfect Type!

Chris Boyles

Phil was such an inspiring and humorous teacher. He made me see the space on a piece of paper (and fill it!) and study handwritten signs with new eyes. As well as a lesson in what a proper cup of English tea is. Things that spark the art and everyday life.

Hanna Werning

Phil was an absolute force of nature in every sense. A wonderful colleague, designer, and human being. ... We are very much poorer within our community today. He was the funniest person I've ever worked with and made me smile every day.

Sheena Calvert

Since encountering him as an undergrad at CSM in Long Acre, he proved to be a lifelong teacher, mentor and friend. A visionary. Never recovered from his influence-and like so many of us, never will.

Clare Bell

Phil was a true individual and brought a calm sense of balance to our RCA madness. I hope there's another Phil studying there right now.

Howard Greenhalgh

The time spent with Phil was some of the best. Conversations I had with him then still play over and over in my head. And that smile. Ever present.

F. Ron Miller

... We studied together at St Martins and the RCA, sharing a flat befitting of the Young Ones for several years. He was a unique personality. A little bit older than most of his fellow students, having studied to be a priest for three years before attending art school. This background gave him an incredibly disciplined approach to almost everything he did. As a first year student he was already well read and knowledgeable about design and typography - a natural teacher he was always happy to share this knowledge with others. He taught me so much, making me look at typography in a complete new light. One day at college he casually handed me a copy of Herbert Spencer's 'Pioneers of Modern Typography' and said 'Andy, I think you may like this! It changed my life. Until then I had thought of typography as an incredibly dull occupation, carried out by men with beards and tweed jackets. I have much to thank you for Phil. Rest in peace my friend. I'll miss that wit and that smile. We had some fun back in the day. You made a positive and indelible mark on so many peoples lives.

Andy Altmann

It’s 37 years since I met Phil at the RCA, those early days in the top floor studio were a joyous inspiration. Teaching with him at CSM in Long Acre, then on to Southampton Row was extraordinary. Writing and designing with Phil was a wonderful mixture of knowledge, leg pulling and laughter.

Andrew Haslam

Like all others who were lucky enough to be taught by Phil at Central St Martins, his influence on my passion for typography and design has always stuck with me. It’s been literally thousands of times that I’ve looked at something and said - ‘What would Phil Baines say?’

As I was graduating in 2005, he had just finished writing the iconic Penguin by Design book, something I read cover to cover and still have on my shelf now.

Many years later, while I was Creative Director at Penguin, I re-united with Phil to get his advice on a type project we were looking into. It was great to see him again and felt like we had come full circle in some way. Even then, all those years later he taught me things about type I hadn’t seen before.

Rest in peace Phil and thanks for always giving me ‘five minutes’.

Tim Lane

Stories about Phil; as told by the many friends, colleagues and students who’s lives he’s touched.

Phil's Obituary on The Guardian
by Adrian Shaughnessy.