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In a poignant revelation, renowned glass artist Peter Layton has shared a harrowing account of his family’s narrow escape from Nazi oppression in Austria just before the onset of the Second World War. Now 89 years old, Layton, a pivotal figure in the British studio glass movement, attributes his successful artistic career to the bravery and determination of his parents, Edith and Freddy, who managed to flee their homeland for safety in Bradford.
A Journey of Survival
In a heartfelt interview on BBC Radio 4’s *Desert Island Discs*, Layton recounted the tense moments leading up to his family’s departure in August 1939. “We caught the last train out in August, arrived here at the end of August, and war was declared a few days later, so it was a narrow escape,” he reflected, acknowledging the gravity of their situation. The artist described his family’s experience as nothing short of miraculous, emphasising their heroism in the face of overwhelming adversity.
One particularly gripping story he shared involved his father being questioned by an SS officer while they awaited their travel documents. “My dad was rather fair, blond almost, and didn’t look characteristically Jewish,” Layton recalled. The officer’s inquiry into their presence in the queue quickly escalated when it became apparent that vital paperwork was missing. It was then that Layton’s mother, a woman of remarkable tenacity, dashed across town to secure the necessary stamps. “That they got out at all was a total miracle,” he concluded, underscoring the precariousness of their situation.
The Name Change
The family’s decision to anglicise their surname from Lowy to Layton was born from the challenges of being Austrian in Britain during wartime. Layton speculated that the name change was made rather randomly, suggesting, “They probably chose it via a pin in the telephone book.” Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the choice, he expressed 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.”
A Musical Escape
Alongside his reflections on family history, Layton shared his musical preferences during the interview, choosing to take with him Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind,” and Nina Simone’s rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.” These selections provide a glimpse into the artist’s tastes and perhaps serve as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and resilience that has characterised his life.
The full interview, rich with emotion and history, will air on *Desert Island Discs* at 10am on Sunday, offering listeners an intimate portrait of an artist shaped by the trials of his past.
Why it Matters
Peter Layton’s story is not merely a personal narrative; it serves as a vital reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. His experiences highlight the importance of remembering history and celebrating the courage of those who fought against oppression. As we navigate contemporary challenges, Layton’s reflections encourage us to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and the necessity of safeguarding them for future generations.
