Glass artist Peter Layton, a cornerstone of the British studio glass movement, has shared a poignant account of his family’s near-miraculous escape from Nazi persecution before the onset of the Second World War. At 89 years old, Layton recalls the harrowing experiences of his parents, Edith and Freddy Lowy, who fled to Britain just days before war was declared, an act he describes as nothing short of a “total miracle.”
A Heroic Escape
In an emotional interview on BBC Radio 4’s *Desert Island Discs*, Layton recounted the dramatic events of August 1939, when his family boarded what would be the last train out of Austria. Arriving in Bradford, they faced the chilling reality that war would break out just days later.
“Their escape was incredibly narrow,” Layton explained. “We caught the last train out in August, arrived here at the end of August, and war was declared a few days later.” He emphasised the bravery of his parents, who risked everything to obtain the necessary documentation to leave.
He recounted a particularly harrowing moment when his father was questioned by an SS officer while waiting to get their papers stamped. “My dad didn’t look characteristically Jewish, so he assumed he wasn’t at risk,” Layton shared, highlighting the irony of their situation. When the officer demanded to see their papers, it was his mother’s quick thinking that saved them. “My mother was a really dynamic woman,” Layton recalled, noting how she dashed across town to secure the required stamps, returning just in time to help his father move towards the front of the queue.
A Name Change with Significance
After settling in Britain, Layton’s family made the decision to anglicise their surname from Lowy to Layton. Layton speculated that they may have chosen the new name at random, perhaps “via a pin in the telephone book.” He expressed his affection for the name: “I like it a lot; we’re all very happy to be Layton, there’s quite a clan of us now.”
The choice to adopt a British-sounding name was not merely a cosmetic change; it reflected the challenges faced by those with Austrian heritage during the war. Layton’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by countless Jewish families fleeing persecution.
The Art of Survival
Layton has transformed his escape from a life of persecution into a vibrant career in the arts, redefining glass as a medium for artistic expression. His work celebrates the beauty of this once-industrial material, a transition he attributes directly to the sacrifices made by his parents. “All of this was possible because Edith and Freddy managed to get away,” he stated.
His journey from a refugee to a celebrated artist illustrates the resilience of the human spirit. Layton’s story not only highlights the importance of family and heritage but also serves as a testament to the power of art in overcoming adversity.
In his *Desert Island Discs* selection, Layton revealed his musical influences, choosing tracks like Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” and Nina Simone’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.” These selections reflect a deep connection to the themes of struggle and liberation that resonate throughout his life and work.
Why it Matters
Peter Layton’s remarkable story is more than just a personal narrative; it embodies the broader struggle of countless individuals who faced persecution during the Nazi regime. His family’s escape underscores the importance of remembering our history and acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who sought safety. In a world still grappling with issues of displacement and identity, Layton’s experiences remind us of the fragility of freedom and the enduring impact of art as a means of survival and expression. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable and to champion the values of compassion and understanding.
