JOHN HUTTON

Just received word that designer Jim Hutton has died in New York City…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Hutton, celebrated designer, dies in New York

Dallas, Texas, August 18, 2006 — John Hutton, a design industry icon and one of the most celebrated designers of furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories this country has seen, died unexpectedly on August 17th in New York. A Master of aesthetics and considered a “National Treasure” by the New York Times, Hutton was noted for his sense of proportion, sophistication, and elegance developed from his student days at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology where he studied art history and interior design developing respect for classical 18th Century French design.

His collaborations as a designer are memorable today as they were yesterday. In 1978 through 1997 while Design Director for Angelo Donghia creating contemporary, yet classical interior collections, Hutton had already achieved cult status throughout the design community. But the longest and most prolific collaboration was the friendship and professional relationship developed with David and Ann Sutherland that spanned a quarter of a century.

With over 20 furniture and textile collections attributed to his name, John Hutton’s inspiration, together with David Sutherland’s vision, transformed the way we view outdoor living spaces. Hutton was also the design inspiration behind many of the collections from Perennials Outdoor Fabrics leading an outdoor revolution that has enhanced individual lives throughout the world. His own signature collections of furniture and textiles were a direct attribute to his much-loved innate classical style—Collection Pierre, Hutton Home Lighting and John Hutton Textiles recently introduced in Europe and the United States to flattering reviews. “The John Hutton designs that are represented in the Sutherland and Perennials collections will remain the heart of our business, and will be our company’s classics. John had prepared new designs yet to be introduced that will be further confirmation of his talent,” confirmed David Sutherland.

Hutton’s genius for design is unmistakable. Known from Bangkok to Paris, Sydney to New York and all across America, John Hutton was a much loved and admired friend to many, a husband and a father. During the last decade Hutton divided his time between his home in Nancy, France and New York where he leaves behind a wife, Brenda, and two sons, Douglas and John, and many extraordinary friends and individuals throughout the world.