Phil Baines, designer for A+C

‘Exultet!’, an exhibition of Phil Baines paschal candle design held at St Augustine, Hammersmith, 2018

We’re deeply sorry to hear of the death of Phil Baines on Friday 19 January. Phil designed the A+C logo, its journal, and much more of A+C’s printed material over the last 20 years. He was Professor of Typography at Central St Martin’s where his infectious enthusiasm influenced generations of graphic designers.

Phil had been educated and begun priest’s training at Ushaw College and this knowledge and love of ecclesiastical design underpinned the basics of so much of his work, which often drew on the medieval manuscripts of religious orders.

In 2018, A+C was able to initiate an exhibition of Phil’s paschal candle designs at St Augustine’s Hammersmith (see image above). Phil had created a new design every year in time for Holy Week. And with characteristic generosity he often gave prints of these to friends and colleagues. The candles were shown again at a retrospective exhibition of his work at Lethaby Gallery in December 2023.

Phil was a completely genial and kind person to work with and we’ll miss his wit and wisdom.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.