D&AD President's Award goes to design in education pioneers

Sir John & Lady Frances Sorrell

D&AD President Simon Waterfall, who chose the Sorrell's as this year's recipients, said, “The Sorrells have taught my peer group and I so much and across so many disciplines - from the formation of branding agency, Newell & Sorrell, to their founding of two major sources of inspiration in design today - The London Design Festival and The Sorrell Foundation.

“The foundation in particular has benefited so many. Its joinedupdesignforschools programme has given the children, teachers and designers who take part the ability to understand each other and to collaborate at all levels of education. It has motivated and created work that will inspire a generation of designers & clients to come.”

He continued, “Through many ups and the downs the Sorrells have consistently shown resilience, tenacity and faith in the value and power of good design for all. I truly thank you both and can only offer you the world's heaviest pencil as compensation for the incredible energy you have tirelessly given. If you ever want to blunt a diamond, rub it on a Sorrell.”

In response to news of the award, the Sorrells said, “Creative people and businesses have been incredibly generous in their work with young people in our programmes, none more so than Simon Waterfall. So it is a fantastic honour and a great privilege to receive this award from Simon and D&AD. We are absolutely delighted.”