Martin Lambie-Nairn death: Tributes to Spitting Image creator and designer of iconic BBC and Channel 4 idents

Martin Lambie-Nairn was behing some of British television’s most iconic images 
Channel 4/BBC 2/ BBC 1

Graphic designer Martin Lambie-Nairn, who created some of British television’s most iconic logos and "idents”, has died aged 75.

Mr Lambie-Nairn, who is also credited with creating satirical puppet show Spitting image, passed away on Christmas Day, according to a statement issued by his family and design consultancy company ML-N.

Since news of his death broke on Monday, tributes have poured in from fans and admirers who describe him as a “design genius”.

His branding agency was behind Channel 4's original animated "blocks" logo in 1982 and the globe hot air balloon idents used by BBC One towards the end of the 1990s and early 2000s.

They also produced idents for BBC Two and more recently the bubble logo used by mobile phone company O2.

“Ident” is a technical term used to describe a moving logo which identifies a TV channel between programmes.

The statement from ML-N, shared with the Standard, describes Mr Lambie-Nairn as "one of the leading graphic designers and creative directors of his generation" over his five-decade-long career. 

It continues: "From his ground-breaking identity for the launch of Channel 4 in 1982 and the re-branding of BBC News to his appointment as a Royal Designer for Industry and creating the original idea and concept for the TV series Spitting Image, Martin's accolades and achievements are too numerous to list.

"His exceptional work, kindness and infectious creative spirit touched the lives of so many people. He will be hugely missed by everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him over the years."

Twitter users have praised Mr Lambie-Nairn as a “legend” and “true craftsman of his time” whose work continues to influence many in the industry.

BBC News’s creative director Chris Cook tweeted: “This is very sad. Martin Lambie-Nairn was instrumental in building the @BBCNews brand as it still exists today. He was a brilliant designer and a thoroughly lovely man. Sleep well Mr."

Mark Read, the CEO of advertising multinational WPP, wrote: “I was very sad to hear this news.  Martin Lambie-Nairn contributed so much to our industry and created some of the most iconic identities that have stood the test of time around the world.”

And presenter Lizo Mzimba tweeted: “So sad to hear that designer Martin Lambie-Nairn has died. Grew up experiencing so much of his amazing work.”

Mr Lambie-Nairn has been credited as the brain behind Spitting Image after he came up with the original idea for the show during a business lunch in 1981.

The show originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996 and was watched by 15 million viewers in its heyday, before being rebooted for BritBox this year.

He received a credit from the showrunners which said the series was “based on an original lunch with Martin Lambie-Nairn”.

Spitting image - In pictures

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For 12 years, he was a consultant creative director at the BBC before moving on to other work in 2002.

Lambie-Nairn also oversaw a Blue Peter competition in 2012 to design the official emblem for the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

He was a fellow of the Royal Television Society and was an honorary doctor at both the University of Lincoln and the University of Northampton.

Speaking to the BBC in 2013, Mr Lambie-Nairn said he and his fellow designers were "in the business of setting channels apart from each other".

He added: “All branding is about setting yourself apart and trying to be clear to your audience or customers that you stand for this set of values.” 

One Twitter user, and graphic designer, summed up the respect and admiration shared by so many others.

He wrote: “Martin Lambie-Nairn's work was always bold, iconic and timeless. 

"Martin will be much missed, but his creativity leaves a deep and lasting impression. Rest in peace.”

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