Barrow co-founded London screen and large-format print specialist Augustus Martin with Barrie Dix aged 19, after the duo met when studying at the London College of Printing and began a hand printing sideline, operating from an attic. 

The pair put in £2 each to start the business.

Barrow was a past president of Fespa and honorary Fespa board member.

Announcing his death, Fespa lauded Barrow as an “indefatigable force behind the growth and development of the Fespa organisation and event brand for more than 30 years” including the expansion of its global events and the decision to embrace wide-format digital printing technology.

“His spirit of innovation has fundamentally reshaped Fespa over three decades. He was instrumental in the decision to bring the organisation of Fespa exhibitions in-house in the late 90s, devising a sustainable commercial model to finance Fespa’s operations without diverting funds from its national Member Associations.”

Fespa CEO Neil Felton paid a personal tribute and said: “With Las’s passing, we say ‘farewell’ to someone who has been the beating heart of Fespa. He had a razor-sharp mind and an unshakeable focus on steering us forward – motivated by his passion for print, his desire to help print entrepreneurs like himself, and his confidence in the transformative potential of technology.

“Working with Las was an object lesson in forthright communication. He never minced his words, and many of us remember strident discussions with him, where he inevitably came out on top, thanks to his unique skill at cutting immediately to the heart of the issue,” Felton said.

“His commitment, energy and presence will be sorely missed by the global Fespa family. Our sincerest condolences go to Lascelle’s wife Myrtle, his children, their extended family and friends, and his Augustus Martin colleagues.”

Linney director Charles Linney also paid tribute. 

He said: “Las was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by the whole industry. It was always a pleasure meeting him. Condolences to his family and colleagues.”

Barrow had been unwell for some time. He died yesterday (22 May).

He was working right up to the end and was at Augustus Martin’s East London site just last week.

Barrow shared insights into his long and storied career in a Big Interview with Printweek in 2013.

Asked about his personal highlights, he said being asked to be president of Fespa twice, and of course his pride in the success of the multi-award winning Augustus Martin business.

Barrow said: “In fact, sometimes I look around and wonder ‘wow, how did we manage to build that’. Because if you thought about two men, putting £2 in the bank and then 50 years later having a £50m business, it is incredible. Although to be fair, we’re not what you could call an overnight success.”

Barrow was also a successful poker player, and appeared in televised games.

Augustus Martin's tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our founder Lascelle 'Las' Barrow, who passed away on 22nd May 2025 aged 79.

Las, together with Barrie Dix, founded Augustus Martin when they were both teenagers, over sixty years ago, printing lampshades in an East London attic.

Through vision and determination, they grew the business into one of the largest producers of Point of Sale in Europe.

Las was greeted with respect and affection throughout the industry. His opinion, usually contrarian, was often sought by clients and industry leaders; and equally as often, time proved him right.

Las always had a vision as to where the business should be going, and he made it a leader in the adoption of new technology, whether in print or software.

Although he had a long battle with cancer, the end was sudden. Throughout, his sheer strength of will and passion for the industry saw him continuing to work for both Augustus Martin, the company he set up and loved, as well as for its employees, up until the end.

In recent months, he was determined to shape the future of the company with a focus on new technologies and the certain belief in the importance of sustainability. Only last week he attended a Board Meeting. He was excited about his plans, the future of the Company and the  confidence in the team to carry it forward. His vision, already in train, will be carried forward by his wife Myrtle, the board, and the leadership team not only as a tribute to him, but as a plan for growth and success.

Lascelle was a husband, father, innovator, business leader, mentor, and friend and for these reasons, he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in Peace Lascelle Augustus Barrow and, thank you from all at Augustus Martin.