Terence Conran
Sir: I have read your profile on Sir Terence Conran (16 November), To me it seems an excellent study in resentful envy. As you kindly pointed out I was around for some nine years at the start of Terence Conran's career: as long as I have known him, he has had a missionary attitude towards the teaching of design, and I would describe him as a teacher by example, as well in fact. During his early struggles, through lack of money to keep the business going, I saw his sacrifices and the sacrifices of his parents, to whom he is devoted. Odd though it may seem, courting publicity, acquiring money and being accepted by the design establishment were the last things on Terence's mind. More than once I have seen him deliberately act against his in- terests in this respect, in order to follow the dictates of his reason and conscience: and it was always difficult to get him to agree to give a press interview.
I can think of nobody better suited to contribute to the running and decision making of the National Economic De- velopment Office. It is regrettable that because of his success, Terence Conran attracts spiteful attention of such people as your prudently anonymous, but easily identifiable contributor.
Shirley Conran
19 Regents Park Terrace, London NW1
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