Significant contribution to design education
By Geoff Fitzpatrick
GRAHAM REGINALD READE November 25, 1938-November 5, 2024
The design profession lost a significant contributor with the passing of Graham Reade, who died peacefully, aged 85, in Caloundra, Queensland.
Graham’s early career was in design education. He earned numerous qualifications, including a diploma of art in industrial design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and a bachelor of education at La Trobe University.
His career began as an education officer at the National Gallery of Victoria, progressing to senior lecturer at Melbourne State College.
He became ultimately an associate professor and head of the school of visual and performing arts at the University of Melbourne.
His contribution to design education was significant, as was his involvement with the Design Institute of Australia.
Graham Reade: early career was in design education.
From 1974 Graham was an active member of the Design Institute of Australia, serving on the Victorian Chapter Council and later representing it on the federal council from 1984 to 1993.
He was Victorian chapter president and a federal vice-president (1984-1986) and honorary federal secretary/treasurer (1987-1993). In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a life fellowship of the institute in 1993.
Graham will be sorely missed by his family and friends and particularly as the dearly loved husband of Marjie.
He was brother to Howard and Heather (dec) and father to John, David and Karen. He will also be missed by his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Farewell to a loving husband, brother, father and great-grandfather, and a dedicated contributor to the design profession.
Geoff Fitzpatrick OAM is a design ambassador for the Design Institute of Australia.