Based in Milan since 1984, British designer James Irvine recently passed away unexpectedly in Italy.

A graduate of The Royal College of Art, London, Irvine moved to Milan to work for the Olivetti design studio as an industrial designer.

Having made a name for himself in furniture  and lighting design for brands like Thonet, Capellini, B&B Italia, Foscarini, Artemide and many consumer electronic brands such as Whirlpool and Canon, Irvine was also responsible for the unique Hanover Mercedes Benz built public transit system.

Irvine also headed up the industrial design division of Sotsass Associati in the 1980s.

Image © Phaidon