John Reid (1916–1992) and Sylvia Reid (born 1929) were among the leading figures of post-war British modern design. Working exclusively as a partnership throughout their careers, they formed one of the most cohesive and prolific design duos of their generation.

The couple met at Regent Street Polytechnic in London at the beginning of the Second World War. In 1948 they established their practice, John & Sylvia Reid, initially operating from a rented flat in London. Early in her career, Sylvia worked with modernist architects Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew, before the Reids became involved in the progressive cultural climate surrounding the Festival of Britain, which helped shape Britain’s post-war design identity.

Their work reflects the optimism and rationalism of the 1950s and 1960s. They designed furniture for the British manufacturer Stag, contributing to the democratisation of well-designed, modern furnishings for contemporary homes. At the same time, their sculptural lighting for Rotaflex became emblematic of British modernism, with innovative diffused forms that remain highly sought after today.

Beyond furniture and lighting, the Reids worked across product and graphic design. They were awarded three Milan Triennale medals and four Design Council Awards. Their cast-iron anniversary ware for Izons is held in the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and their work was frequently featured in the design press.

In 1967, they created the enduring logo for the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting). Remarkably, this corporate identity remains in use today, visible on electricians’ vans throughout the UK.

The Reids’ philosophy was rooted in clarity, logic, and accessibility. John Reid described good design as “the product of logical thought” responding intelligently to contemporary needs, with materials used appropriately and function guiding form. Like many of their post-war peers, they believed that good design should be available to all.

Following decades of creative collaboration, John Reid passed away in 1992. Sylvia later moved permanently to Cornwall, where the couple had maintained a long-standing connection. Today, their furniture and lighting designs from the 1960s continue to attract collectors and stand as enduring examples of refined British modernism.