Colin Forbes 1928-2022

Colin Forbes, co-founder of Pentagram Design, died on May 22 at his home in Westfield NC. He was 94. 

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Last year, as a birthday tribute to Colin, I wrote the following:

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In a life filled with remarkable accomplishments, perhaps the most amazing thing about Colin Forbes is maintaining his ability to change his mind. At an age when most (we know who we are) become more and more ossified, Colin was still evolving and still rethinking everything in his sphere.

Colin, who as a young man had a definite Daniel-Craig-vibe going on, started, with his best friend Alan Fletcher, a series of London design partnerships ( Fletcher Forbes & Gill, Crosby Fletcher Forbes ) culminating in Pentagram Design in 1972. Moving to NYC in 1978 (there was one partner in London he simply couldn’t abide) first sharing an office with George Nelson he eventually corralled a small set of local partners including Woody Pirtle and Peter Harrison to form an independent and growing US presence.

Colin was, in those days, just taciturn enough to be intimidating, especially as he focused on you through those thick eyeglasses (and I sat next to him for years, so believe me, I know). But really he was as gentle, generous and warm as anyone could be. And just as he recognized the extraordinary talent of Alan Fletcher, he was able to spot young talent at precisely the moment they were ready to bloom.

He also loved complexity, and designed a system of finances for Pentagram that was nearly beyond the comprehension of most members, but perseveres. His system, it turns out, was as adaptable as he was, and remains a glue that holds the group together.

Colin lives in North Carolina on the horse farm he and his wife Wendy, and son Aaron, have turned into a sanctuary for older horses (and maybe someday older designers?). Visiting him there he pointed out Mitt Romney’s lame horse living out his own late years. I suppose the horse didn’t fit on the roof of Romney’s station wagon, but I have to admit it was a fine looking horse. Every bit as good looking, and lame, as Romney himself.

When I visited him last, he bounded around with more energy than I had despite having 25 years on me. Damn Colin…act your age!