Andrew Ritchie Wins Prince Philip Designers Prize in Its 50th Anniversary YearThe designer of the iconic Brompton folding bicycle, Andrew Ritchie, has been named the winner of the 2009 Prince Philip Designers Prize, awarded annually to recognize a lifetime contribution to design.
The announcement was made by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a reception celebrating 50 years of British design genius this evening, Thursday 15th October, at Buckingham Palace.
Ritchie's ingenious folding design has won him a loyal following, with owners pointing to the Brompton's lightness, portability, smoothness of ride, and the sense of freedom it bestows.
An engineer by profession, Ritchie has spent 21 years perfecting the Brompton, which is manufactured in the UK and sells throughout the world.
"In this special year we celebrate 50 years of innovation, the design evangelism of The Duke of Edinburgh and the value of the designer in our society," commented David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council.
"In the current economic environment it is timely to remind ourselves that the UK has such great creative capabilities."
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