b'4Brian Myddleton Davis AM (19302021)The man who would create the Dcor brand and bringIn 1986, using his own capital, Brian took the risky world-class design, creativity and innovation to Australianstep of launching a wholly owned US subsidiary and homewares, was born in May 1930 in Broome, Westernshortly afterwards globalized the company into nearly Australia, in the middle of the Great Depression. His40 countries. The expansion was very successful, father was an Englishman-adventurer and his mother,consistently creating products which reflected the the daughter of a pearler fleet owner. With the decline ofconcepts of design quality and simplicity that had led to the local pearling industry, and with World War looming,early successes. During the 55 years that Brian ran Dcor, the family moved to Melbourne, where Brian enjoyed athe company received hundreds of awards for excellence happy childhood, designing and building model boats andin design, promotion, and export. Brian was inducted into billycarts at their home in Brighton. the Design Institute of Australias Hall of Fame.On leaving school in 1946, Brian joined G.J.Coles as aWith his strong work ethic, Brian continued to put in 10-trainee executive, where he discovered the excitement ofhour days with the company he loved until he sold it at merchandising and working with homewares and toys. Bythe age of 83 in 2013. He had rejected many offers over 1953 he had moved on, joining his uncle Alex Tolmer atthe years and waited for the right buyer because it was Toltoys. While working for that company in California, Brianimportant to him to ensure his staff would be looked after. introduced the cane hoola hoop and within weeks, ToltoysWhile Brian will be remembered as a pioneer in design and was producing brightly coloured plastic versions anda successful businessman, his lasting legacy will be the selling 25,000 units per week. By 1958, the Toltoys plasticlives he changed by quietly donating the money he made hoola hoop was a huge craze in the USA, Australia and allto help others in need.around the world. Returning to Australia, Brians interest inBrian gave generously to the arts and a wide range of homewares remained strong. After failing to convince hisorganizations that could help people in real need including uncle to enter the field, in 1958 it was agreed that Brianthe Salvation Army, food relief charity FareShare, the would start his own business. Working from a desk in hisSmith Family, Very Special Kids, Australian Red Cross, bedroom, Brian Davis & Company was born and registeredWorld Vision and the Cancer Council of Australia. Despite the original Dcor trademark. never having children of his own, Brian had a lifelong One of the companys first products, the Habana beakerdesire to help disadvantaged children and youth. He never set of six plastic tumblers which fitted neatly into an airtightsought recognition and often donated anonymouslycontainer, was an instant success. Brains philosophywhether personally, by the Decor Corporation or by his was that his products should be simple, work well andcharitable foundationto ensure there was no fuss about be readily available: It was a winning combination. Brianhis generosity. He is described by his closest friends hired great designers, including Richard Carlson and Tonyas courteous, caring, and decent. He was a man of few Wolfenden, who between them designed much of thewords, but a very good listener. He was loyal to his small, Dcor range. In 1979, with the growing number of BYOclose group of friends and was happiest when relaxing in restaurants, the company released an insulated two-bottletheir company and attending the arts including the opera, BYO wine-chiller, which quickly grew in popularity andballet, theatre, and galleries. In January 2021, only a few was widely exported. It was awarded the Prince Philipmonths before he passed away, Brian was honoured as Prize for Australian Design in 1980 and was included ona member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Prince Charles & Lady Dianas wedding gift register. Brianawards, for his commitment to philanthropy and business.was happy to send two for the marriage in 1981. In 1983We trust you will enjoy getting to know Brian, as we did, the wine chiller was chosen for permanent display in theby immersing ourselves in the pieces you will see in the Design Collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art. following pages. They clearly brought much pleasure for all those years and we are certain you will be delighted by what you find here.'