In Conversation with Ian Anderson

Join us for a talk between Ian Anderson, founder of the world-renowned graphic design studio The Designers Republic™ (TDR™), and writer and designer Adrian Shaughnessy. Known for ground-breaking work on electronic music identities, record cover artwork, the creation of unique gaming worlds, and anti-establishment aesthetics, TDR™ has been recognised as a source of innovative design and creativity since its inception in 1986. Works are held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Celebrating TDR™’s recent birthday on Bastille Day, Ian & Adrian will come together at the Saatchi Gallery to discuss design, and the almost 40-year legacy of distinctive and trail-blazing work produced by TDR™.

The event comes off the back of the recent publication of the retrospective survey book – A to Z of The Designers Republic, published by Thames & Hudson. Following the talk, there will be an opportunity to purchase copies of the book signed by Ian, and to view our current Ground Floor exhibitions. Drinks will also be available with the bar open until 8.15PM. 

Ian Anderson was born in Croydon, London and studied Philosophy at The University of Sheffield. He is a self-taught designer and cofounded The Designers Republic™⁠ in 1986. Ian has collaborated with architects (publishing a book with Sadar + Vuga), fashion designers (such as Issey Miyake and Commes des Garçons), and has developed global branding campaigns, identities and projects for the likes of Coca-Cola, Sony, Nokia, MTV and many more. His book, A to Z of The Designers Republic, was published in 2023 by Thames & Hudson. 

Adrian Shaughnessy is a graphic designer, writer, and senior tutor at the Royal College of Art, London. He has written numerous books, including a compendium of his design journalism, Scratching the Surface, and monographs devoted to designers Herb Lubalin and Ken Garland. He regularly contributes to design publications and blogs such as Design Observer, Eye, Creative Review, and Design Week. He runs ShaughnessyWorks, a consultancy combining art direction, writing, editing, and lecturing, and is a codirector of Unit Editions. 

Tickets are £10 for standard entry. There are also a number of £60 tickets which include entry, plus a signed copy of A to Z of The Designers Republic (RRP £60) and a Saatchi Gallery tote bag.

The evening will include:
• In Conversation talk between Ian Anderson & Adrian Shaughnessy
• Access to all Ground Floor shows
• Opportunity to purchase a copy of the book signed by Ian Anderson
• Bar open until 8.15pm

This event is kindly supported by Thames & Hudson.