There is a line in Bob Dylan’s song, ‘It’s Alright ma’ that goes, ‘But even the president of the United States sometimes must have to stand naked.’ I think it was Dylan’s way of verbally reducing everyone down to the same level. I have a very similar view about ironing. I sometimes like to imagine my heroes performing this mundane necessity. Think for a moment about the great designer Charles Eames, responsible for some of the most iconic chairs and still, 30 years after his death, are worldwide bestsellers. But did he ever do his own ironing, that is the question? And if so, did he enjoy it? The ironing board is an important symbol in John Osborn’s play ‘Look Back in Anger’...
While Jimmy Porter rants on about the world, his wife, Alison dutifully irons his shirts. Jimmy never does of course because, well, he’s a man’s man. And what about every graphic students hero, Peter Saville...
- often photographed half dressed, or in a white bath robe, cigarette lazily slotted in the corner of his mouth in a Belmondoesque sort of way, looking as if he’s had a hard night with some sensual beauty...
Now what would he look like bending over an ironing board pressing those drainpipe white jeanes? Sorry that didn’t sound quite decent - well, you know what I mean. And here is the Faber & Faber book cover for ‘Look Bank in Anger’...
It was designed by the ex Pentagram guru John McConnell. What about him brandising an iron? Actually on second thoughts, I don’t want to think about that. So whenever you feel slightly intimidated or in awe of a design hero, use my little leveling method. It works a treat. And do I iron? Well, you’ll just have to use your imagination.