Richard Starkins, director at Admar Creations, has penned a heartwarming tribute to the late Lascelle Barrow, a FESPA honorary board member and past president.

Barrow served as FESPA president twice – from 1992 to 1996, then again from 2013 to 2015 – and was instrumental in the growth and development of the organisation, having contributed to its business strategy and in the global expansion of the brand.

He was previously CEO of one of Europe’s biggest wide format print houses, Augustus Martin, based in London, which he started when he was just 19 years old. He then built the company into a multiple award-winning business focused on innovative retail POS and OOH, working with a host of prominent brands.

Barrow is known by many in the printing space worldwide, with some calling him a “giant in the screen and digital printing world”. 

He passed away on 22 May, aged 79, after a prolonged illness.

FESPA CEO Neil Felton said, “With Lascelle’s passing, we say farewell to someone who has been the beating heart of FESPA. He had a razor-sharp mind and an unshakeable focus on steering us forward – motivated by his passion for print, his desire to help print entrepreneurs like himself, and his confidence in the transformative potential of technology.

“His commitment, energy and presence will be sorely missed by the global FESPA family. Our sincerest condolences go to Lascelle’s wife Myrtle, his children, their extended family and friends, and his Augustus Martin colleagues.”

Starkins’ tribute to Barrow is as follows:

“Family and friends of Lascelle,

My name is Richard Starkins and I am from Melbourne, where I have been in screen printing for 55 years. And before me, my London-born father Stan, who established our family business, after making the wise decision to come to Australia after the war.

I was on a study tour of European Screen Printers and was advised a ‘must’ place to visit was Augustus Martin, where I met Lascelle in 1981. He generously welcomed me; and in fact, welcomed many Australians with more kindness than the members of the MCC.

Lascelle personally gave me a tour around his and Barrie’s factory and with much pride pointed out benefits of particular printing machines and the Augustus Martin way of printing.

The advancement of ultraviolet inks was only in its infancy, but Augustus Martin was a world leader in using this new technology. It was manufacturing and widely distributing them.

As screen printing progressed from one colour to multi-colour machines and now digital roll-to-roll and flat bed, Lascelle was always at the fore front of any new technology. This would advance Augustus Martin to being European/world leaders.

Whether you were a sole printer or you employed 100 staff, Lascelle always treated you the same. He was always keen to pass on his knowledge, including what was the best direction of printing in the future.

Over the last 50 years, Lascelle has generously given his time and expertise to printers in Europe and worldwide.

In 1987, the Screen Printers Association of Australia hosted an international conference and convention in Perth, which coincidently occurred at the same time as the final of the famous America’s Cup yacht race.

Lascelle and Myrtle attended this event, where my wife Petra and I cemented our long-term friendship.

Over the last 30 odd years, we have become firm friends enjoying each other’s company whenever in the UK or Australia.

Lascelle was intuitive, innovative and an icon in our industry. His drive and enthusiasm will be sadly missed, not only by printers in the UK, Europe and worldwide, but also by a broad range of friends.

Rest in Peace, Lascelle.

From all your colleagues Down Under.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter