Remembering Marcus Fairs
Marcus Fairs at an Open City event in Peckham in 2019
On behalf of Open City I am writing to express our collective shock and deep sadness on hearing of the passing of the brilliant journalist, editor and innovator, Marcus Fairs.
Marcus was an exceptional force within the industry, often lightyears ahead of his peers in constantly rethinking the fundamentals of architectural journalism, criticism and public discourse. He was a shrewd and prolific figure who will be deeply missed.
In founding his most ambitious publishing project Dezeen in 2006, Marcus correctly judged, with incredible acumen and foresight, the shape journalism would take in the 21st century. Many publishers are still struggling to catch up with the moves Marcus made nearly two decades ago.
He had an extremely quick sense for news, sometimes breaking big stories off the back of noticing a passing remark at an event or online. While Dezeen is best known for its unrivalled visual coverage of contemporary design, Marcus also made it an inclusive space for vigorous debate platforming all sides of any issue including under-represented voices.
Marcus was also a stalwart and supportive champion of our built environment charity, Open City. At the start of the UK’s first national lockdown in March 2020 he met with me in person in an open air Dalston car park to ask how Dezeen could help us get through the pandemic. With his blessing, Dezeen went on to support our work in various ways including by prominently featuring the graduation work of the black, brown and working-class teenagers who take part in Open City’s Accelerate Programme each year. In doing so he gave those young underrepresented Londoners a spotlight and a confidence boost they are often denied – a gesture which will have certainly changed lives for the better.
Sketch of Marcus Fairs chairing a debate drawn by Peter Cross
The image here is a sketch of Marcus drawn by Peter Cross at a debate about the nature of architectural publishing. Marcus chaired with flair, quick-thinking and a twinkle in his eye. We will remember those qualities when we remember him.
Phineas Harper
Chief Executive, Open City
