Clinic founder Adrian Miles dies aged 50

Adrian Miles, co-founder and managing director of Clinic, has died at the age of 50.

Clinic, originally known as The Design Clinic, was established in 1983 by the Virgin Group to service the company’s design and communication needs.

The consultancy was responsible for launches including Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Records, Virgin Megastore and Virgin Active. Adrian’s image even appeared on the tailfin of Virgin Atlantic’s first-ever 747 plane.

Other high-profile clients Miles worked with include Sega and BSkyB.

Miles, who died on 15 May, had previously worked in publishing for Morgan Grampian at Spotlight Productions, where he was production director working on Record Mirror, Kerrang! and Music Week.

Miles, who was a great lover of sport and an Aston Villa fan, was also the wicket keeper and founder member of the Virgin Casuals Cricket Club.

A statement from Clinic says, ‘Adrian’s human, spirited approach to life and work will be sorely missed by his many colleagues and associates, his friends, and most acutely by his family.

‘He leaves a wife, Caroline, and a son, Kristian. Our thoughts, love and support are with them at this time.’

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  • Steve James-Royle November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    We never knew Adrian but clearly he created many show-stoppers along the way that shaped our landscape of today. Our thoughts go out to his family.

  • baker November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I just heard the news about Adrian Miles and would just like to offer my sincere condolences to his family , I worked at the Design Clinic during the 80s and always admired his dedication and love of the industry he worked in.

  • Matt Morgan November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    A larger than life character that will be greatly missed.

  • Chris Harrison November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    A friend of mine got his first job at Clinic in the early 90s. I got to know Ade a little bit through my friend. Ade was a great guy with a great attitude. So sad that he is no longer with us.

  • Adam Fennelow November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Condolences to Adrian’s family and all at Clinic from the team at the Design Business Association.

  • Ben Wilson November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I had the honour of working for Ade at Clinic from 1995-2008. Amongst his many attributes, he was a great boss, a great mentor and an all-round decent human being. I will miss his unique Ade-isms and general ‘joie de vivre’. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A sad loss.

  • Steve Quah November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    It was such a shock to hear that Ade has passed away, he was such a rock solid kind man. I had the great pleasure to work with Ade and the guys at Clinic, and it is rare to work with such a lovely team, no doubt due to Ade’s wise and genuine caring leadership. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our sincere condolences to Ade’s family and all the guys and gals at Clinic. Love from all of us at Twentyfirst

  • Will Dragon November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    A truly unique character and inspiration to all who knew him. A great loss indeed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

  • Tim Jones November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    A compassionate, principled and very, very funny man – he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him or had the pleasure of working with him. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone still working at Clinic.

  • MAtt McArdle November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Heard this very sad news this morning. As an ex schoolmate and fellow punk tearaway back in the Seventies, my memories of Ade are some my most treasured. This is a loss that will never be replaced. I’m gutted.

  • Maxine J Horn November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Condolences to Adrian’s family and his friends and colleagues at Clinic. I had a very long and laugh out loud lunch with Adrian at 5th Floor, Harvey Nic’s – he was a great character, passionate about design and great fun to be with – even if he did nearly get us thrown out of one of London’s poshest restaurants.

  • Nicholas Del Conte November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I worked in clinic in 1999 and loved every second of it. Ade was lovely and always been an inspiration for when I moved on and create my own agency.
    We will miss you.

  • The Fried Rat November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    He was a legend.His batting left a lot to be desired but he more than made up for it with his lust for life…..Condolences to his family at this very sad time.

  • caroline November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Adrian was FAB-I was married to him for nearly 26 years,he’s left a void in my life but he’s left a great son who shows much of Adrian’s wit,humour and playfullness!

  • keith miles November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    as the third anniversary of your death approaches,time doesn’t heal,it just blurs the edges of pain.you were the best brother.we shared watching the villa,sparks,cockney rebel and deaf school,but try as i might i could not get you into tom waits.you left a legacy in the design clinic and a huge void.love and miss you everyday keith x x x

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