Father's Day with the designers of Rex London
This Father’s Day we’ve asked two dads from our design team to answer some questions about how fatherhood inspires their work, and what kind of gifts they’d like to receive this Father’s Day.
Les Whiteman
Les is our head designer here at Rex. He’s created some of our much loved designs such as Rusty and friends and the World of Work to name a few.
Les Whiteman. Photo by Antonia Attwood.
Which designs have your kids inspired you to create?
When my daughter Eila was young she used to have hours of fun with a vintage magnetic fishing game I used to play with from the 1950s. This in turn inspired me to create our version of our Let's Go Fishing Game. I also asked my fellow designer, Jan to create his take on the classic magnetic ‘Hook a Duck’ game.
Early sketches for the magnetic fishing game.
What do you love about creating designs for children?
It gives me a chance to reconnect with the things I loved when i was a child. Growing up in the 1970s, I loved watching kids’ television shows like Rhubarb and Custard, The Clangers and Mr. Ben. These influences feed directly into the work I now create for Rex London.
Early sketches for World of Work.
Which gifts would you like to receive this Father’s Day?
At home I relax by playing my guitar most evenings, it's always handy to have spare guitar strings, so to save me getting a few, it would be nice to get some this Father's Day. I also do enjoy reading a good book, so I’m hoping they will get me a good read for our summer holidays. I’ve been reading a few great music biographies at the moment like Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original and Sick On You by the Hollywood Brats.
Jan Konopka is another talented designer and dad we have here at Rex. He’s created some wonderful designs in our men’s range with Father’s Day in mind. We take a look at some early sketches of the Modern Man range.
Jan Konopka. Photo by Antonia Attwood.
What inspired The Modern Man range?
The Modern Man range was designed to be both stylish and fun. I was inspired by mid-century advertisements and some really cool LP covers from that period.
Early plans for the Modern Man range.
It was great when the soap sets were a Gift of the Year finalist last year!
Modern Man Scented Soaps (set of 3) - £12.95
Modern Man Shaving Stand Set - £16.95, Modern Man Mug - £3.95, Modern Man Cocktail Shaker - £14.95, Modern Man Washbag - £14.95
Does your daughter share the same artistic qualities as you?
My daughter Pearl, who's 8, loves to create and draw. We live in the Kent countryside and both love drawing directly from nature. Pearl's favourite things to draw are mythical monsters and animals.
Father's Day is on Sunday 17th June this year. Feeling inspired? Find more wonderful gift ideas this Father’s Day with our gift guide.
