Interview with Alessandro Mario (Alex) Maranzano

One of a series of interviews with visual artists carried out for the VIVA (Voices In the Visual Arts) project by Linda Sandino.

Alessandro Mario (Alex) Maranzano is Chairman of Minale Tattersfield and Partners, an international design organization. Alex studied Lettering at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts in the early 1960s, going on to study graphic design at the Royal College of Art, before joining Minale Tattersfield in 1968. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers, a member and past executive committee member of the Designers & Art Directors Association. He has also been a DBA [Design Business Association] committee member for graphic design.

The extracts are taken from a ten-hour recording, conducted over several weeks as indicated by the dates. More than one track was recorded in each session. The interviews took place in a meeting room at the Minale Tattersfield design offices in Richmond, Surrey, in 2005. The interviewer was Linda Sandino.

Some of the topics discussed include:
On becoming director at Mintat in 1972; description of first company car, a ‘banger’, but in 1978 new car after accompanying Lord Snowdon on Allied Brewery annual report work. AM’s work and life philosophy. Working with Brian Tattersfield using example of Milton Keynes project. Significance of becoming a director of the company; remarks about being the only person whose resignation was never accepted. Marcello’s and Brian’s ambitions for the company. Moving on from being Brian’s assistant; mentions managing NatWest account. Mentions Mintat’s international reputation; reasons why AM’s responsibility lay primarily with UK business. Marcello’s Italian personality and approach to clients; anecdote about his response to clients. Brian as ‘the perfect English gentleman’. AM as intermediary between Brian and Marcello. Comments on failing partnerships in design companies and good working relationships at Mintat. 1983 became Deputy Chairman. Mentions re-branding of Central TV. Increasing respect accorded AM. 1970s spent mostly as a designer whereas in 80s became more involved in dealing with clients. Current responsibilities. Sharing responsibility and delegating to younger partners. First Mintat book: mentions young AM, Post office hoarding; explains re-design of House of Fraser logo and typeface; ‘Adopt an animal campaign’. Various D&AD awards. Port of Dover re-branding described; why it’s AM’s favourite.

Alessandro Mario (Alex) Maranzano

Profession: Graphic Designer, Chairman, Minale Tattersfield
Date of Birth: 27 November 1943
Place of Birth: Vittel, France.

Interviewer: Linda Sandino, VIVA Senior Research Fellow
Location: Minale Tattersfield Meeting Room, Richmond, Surrey