Augustus Martin co-founder passes away following battle with cancer

The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) has announced the death of its honorary board member and past president, Lascelle ‘Las’ Barrow.

Barrow, who passed away on May 22^nd at the age of 79 after a prolonged fight with cancer, was the co-founder of wide-format printer, Augustus Martin, a specialist in point-of-sale (POS) and outdoor media which currently lists roughly 200 employees.

Barrow founded the company with partner Barrie Dix after meeting at the age of 19 during their studies at the London College of Printing, starting their printing business in an attic.

Barrow has been cited by FESPA as a driving force behind the association’s growth for more than 30 years. He served as president of FESPA from 1992 to 1996, and from 2013 to 2015.

Barrow also served on the Finance and New Business committees and was later recognised in 2022 as an honorary FESPA board member.

According to FESPA, Barrow was instrumental in the decision to bring the organisation of FESPA exhibitions inhouse in the late 1990s, devising a sustainable commercial model to finance FESPA’s operations without diverting funds from its national member associations.

Barrow was a long-standing director of the FESPA UK Association and was said to be an enthusiastic supporter of the role of FESPA’s member associations in creating value for print businesses at grass roots level.

In a statement about Barrow’s passing, FESPA also highlights that he was a key part of FESPA’s embracing of digital technology, the global expansion of its event brand, and the licensing of the FESPA brand to national associations.

FESPA chief executive officer, Neil Felton, says: “With Las’s passing, we say ‘farewell’ to someone who has been the beating heart of FESPA.

“He had a razor-sharp mind and an unshakeable focus on steering us forward – motivated by his passion for print, his desire to help print entrepreneurs like himself, and his confidence in the transformative potential of technology.”

Speaking on behalf of FESPA, Felton adds: “His commitment, energy and presence will be sorely missed by the global FESPA family. Our sincerest condolences go to Lascelle’s wife Myrtle, his children, their extended family and friends, and his Augustus Martin colleagues.”

Speaking in an official statement on LinkedIn, Augustus Martin said: “Everyone who knew, loved, and worked with Las knew how dedicated, passionate, and determined he was for his business; a passion so strong that he was making regular visits to the site to check in and even visited late last week [w/c May 12^th].

“Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends through this difficult and sad time. RIP Las, we will miss you and your strong leadership deeply.”