From Liverpool terrace to Barbican penthouse: editor Tony Chambers on success from humble beginnings and why his dream home is the one he lives in
Tony Chambers, best known for being the longest-serving editor-in-chief of Wallpaper*, is the latest guest to feature on our podcast, Homing In. Having worked at the design magazine for more than 15 years, Tony has spent a great deal of time reporting on some of the most important spaces around the world. But what about the ones closest to his own heart? For this episode, Tony sat down with our host, Matt Gibberd, to talk about a home from his past, present and future. “Tony’s life story is incredibly inspiring,” says Matt, who shares his thoughts on the episode below. “He wasn’t afraid to go deep in this conversation – though I think he surprised himself with how emotional he found it.”
“Tony began his career at The Sunday Times Magazine, then became the art director of GQ and was later appointed editor-in-chief of Wallpaper*, which arguably defined the design aesthetic of the noughties and taught us all how to live like urbane Scandinavians.
“His working-class upbringing in Liverpool gave little clue about what kind of career he would have, but he educated himself by following pop culture – especially David Bowie – getting himself into art school and using his natural curiosity to reach the very top of his profession.
“We discussed his childhood home in the 1970s – which was a riot of swirly brown carpet, chintz cushions and fake-brick wallpaper – and he remembered the day his dad woke him up to tell him that John Lennon had been assassinated. Tony’s family has clearly been a huge influence on his life and he talked poignantly about the lessons he learned from his dad regarding honesty, hard work and not being a ‘bighead’.
“He also spoke about the joy he felt at seeing his very first layout appear in print, the importance of a cover and its impact on the newsstand, why typography is undervalued, the chaotic period at GQ under former Loaded editor James Brown, and how he redefined Wallpaper*’s reputation after it became a bit of a cliché.
“Tony has lived on the Barbican estate in London for 27 years, which is longer than anyone else I know. Put it this way: he fell in love with the place way before it became fashionable and has no intention of moving anywhere else. We recorded this podcast in his flat, with the sun pouring in and the sound of ducks quacking in the background.
“I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Happy listening!”
And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Homing In – which Vogue named one of “The Best Podcasts To Listen To Now” – so you never miss a new episode.
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