In a poignant revelation, renowned glass artist Peter Layton has recounted the harrowing escape of his Jewish family from Nazi oppression in Austria just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Now 89 years old, Layton describes their narrow escape as nothing short of a “total miracle.” Speaking candidly on BBC Radio 4’s *Desert Island Discs*, Layton shared how the bravery and quick thinking of his parents, Edith and Freddy, shaped not only his life but also his illustrious career in the arts.
A Race Against Time
Layton’s family found themselves in a perilous situation in August 1939. With the spectre of war looming, they managed to board what would be the last train out of Austria, arriving in Bradford just days before Britain declared war on Germany. “We caught the last train out,” Layton recalled, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and gratitude. “It was a narrow escape.” The emotional weight of their journey continues to resonate with Layton, who emphasised the heroism displayed by his parents during their desperate flight for safety.
Layton’s family was among thousands seeking refuge, a scene that he vividly remembers. “There is a tale that the family do know, how they were queuing up to get their papers stamped with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of others,” he explained. In a moment of serendipity, an SS officer approached his father, questioning their presence in the queue. Luckily, Layton’s father, who did not fit the typical Jewish appearance, managed to defuse the situation, allowing the family to continue their desperate pursuit of freedom.
Reinventing Identity
The challenges they faced did not end with their escape. Once settled in Britain, the family chose to anglicise their surname from Lowy to Layton, a decision influenced by the pervasive anti-Austrian sentiment during the war. “I suspect they chose the name via a pin in the telephone book,” Layton mused, reflecting on the uncertainty of their new identity. Nonetheless, he expressed a fondness for the name, stating, “I like it a lot, we’re all very happy to be Layton. There’s quite a clan of us now.”
This renaming is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by many Jewish families during this tumultuous period. It underscores the lengths to which individuals went to protect themselves in a world fraught with danger and discrimination.
A Legacy of Art
Despite the shadows of his family’s past, Layton has carved out a significant niche for himself in the world of art. As a pivotal figure in the British studio glass movement, he has transformed glass from a mere industrial material into an esteemed art form. He credits this success to the sacrifices made by his parents, acknowledging, “All because Edith and Freddy managed to get away.”
In a light-hearted moment during the interview, Layton also discussed his musical preferences, choosing tracks from Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, and Nina Simone to accompany him on a hypothetical desert island. These selections reveal a layered personality, one that appreciates both the beauty of art and the gravity of history.
Why it Matters
Layton’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. His family’s escape from the clutches of tyranny not only saved their lives but also paved the way for a legacy of creativity that continues to inspire. As we reflect on such histories, it is crucial to remember the lessons embedded within them; the importance of standing against oppression and the enduring strength found in familial bonds. Layton’s narrative encourages us to celebrate our freedoms while remaining vigilant against the forces that threaten them.
