My association with Eugenio began when he was a general manager for an Italian manufacturer that made tea trolleys from plastic and metal. He appointed me as their sole agent/importer for the UK – unseen and purely on the basis of a couple of initial orders and my own enthusiasm. As I recall my communications with him were always of a constructive and positive nature. Of course this was in the days long before the internet revolution, and communications were by mail and telephone, visits to the factory and the MACEF fairs in Milan. Eventually telex became the norm, and then fax were de rigueur.

When Eugenio decided to strike out on his own and specialise in modern Italian design, he asked me to act as their UK agent. His first visit to the UK with a couple of colleagues resulted in an order for the Liberty store in London for the adjustable-height box on wheels which became known as the Cubo. They brought the sample with them! The Latin word ‘Magis’ translates as ‘more’ or as Eugenio put it, ‘more than’. And thus it was – always innovative and stretching the boundaries in the field of the modern furniture design world. Both with his choice of designers worldwide and with the materials used in construction. This policy inevitably increased the product line and now includes a viable range especially for children.

It has continued through the years, and his enthusiasm and ability to motivate an impressive stable of designers, agents, staff and customers has not wavered. He has become a design icon on the international stage, and Magis is now successfully marketing their impressive ranges worldwide. In fact I feel it is true to say ‘a legend in his own lifetime’. Magis’ premises in Torre di Mosto are impressive and a joy to visit.

Eugenio Perazza has been a major influence in my business life, and on occasions his personal advice has been pure and direct. His fascination with border terriers was instrumental in my own attraction to the breed and resulted in our household enjoying many years with one.

Of course I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that my long association with Eugenio, Magis and subsequently Alberto, Barbara and their colleagues has been a pleasure.’

Philip Platt