Design Council Chief Executive Andrew Summers said: 'Christopher Frayling is the perfect choice for us. He has all the qualities we could hope for - focus, vision, inspiration, and in-depth expertise on design and design issues. John will be an exceptionally difficult act to follow, but I'm confident Christopher will rise to the challenge.

'With our four new Council Members, representing an excellent mix of industry and design expertise from across the UK, the Design Council has entered the new Millennium with a real spring in its step.'

ends

note to editors

1. A biography of Christopher Frayling is attached, along with brief biographies of the four new Council Members.

2. Photographs of Christopher Frayling are available on request. For further media enquiries:

   Luke Blair 020 7 420 5239 / 0976 557880

3. The Design Council is the UK's national authority on design and works with partner organisations in business, education and government to champion its effective use. More information on all its personnel and activities can be found at:

   http://www.designcouncil.org.uk
   Monday 31 January 2000/01/For immediate release

Christopher Frayling

Biography

Born on 25 December 1946 and educated at Repton School and Churchill College, Cambridge, Christopher Frayling is a renowned broadcaster, historian and author. He has been a film archivist at the Imperial War Museum in London and a lecturer at the universities of Exeter and Bath.

He is perhaps best known for his work at the Royal College of Art, now widely recognised, particularly in the international business community, as the leading postgraduate university for design. Christopher Frayling was appointed its first Professor of Cultural History in 1979 and went on to establish pioneering courses in the history of design, modern cultural theory and arts administration. In 1996, he was appointed Rector.

Christopher Frayling's prolific television work has included Design Classics and award-winning programmes such as the six-part Channel 4 series on advertising, The Art of Persuasion. He wrote and presented the first BBC Design Awards.

He has published more than a dozen books, including two tracing the history of art and design at the RCA and one on the film Things to Come, as well as numerous articles for national newspapers and other publications ranging from Design Week, Campaign and Blueprint to The Times Higher Education Supplement, Creative Review and Design journal.

Christopher Frayling is the longest serving member of the Arts Council of England and longest serving trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was also a member of the 'Litmus Group' overseeing the contents of the Millennium Dome.

New Members of the Design Council

The following have been appointed Members of the Design Council by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Stephen Byers for a period of three years. The appointments are unpaid, although expenses can be claimed.

John Crathorne Chief Executive of Stoves plc, based in Merseyside, who make highly innovative, well-designed cookers and other kitchen appliances. Also a member of the Manufacturing Council of the Confederation for British Industry.

Gary Lockton Chief Executive of Deep End Design, a leading London creative consultancy specialising in digital media. An active participant in the work of the Government's Creative Industries Task Force.

Jonathan Sands Chairman of Elmwood Design, one of the country's fastest growing design consultancies, a key player in Yorkshire's Design Excellence initiative, also former chairman of the Design Business Association (1995-97). Regular lecturer at business conferences and universities and founding partner of the European design network, TOTEM.

Rumi Verjee Chairman of Thomas Goode & Co, the distinguished china, glass and silver retailers founded in 1827, known for innovative design and support for new design and technology. Also Chairman of 'Bromptons,' the new development in Chelsea, London. Has formerly served for the Aga Khan Foundation.