Peter Layton, an 89-year-old glass artist known for his pivotal role in the British studio glass movement, has recounted his family's miraculous escape from Nazi Austria. In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Layton described how his parents, Edith and Freddy, managed to flee to Bradford just before the outbreak of World War II. He emphasized the narrowness of their escape, recalling how they caught the last train out in August, just days before war was declared. Layton shared a dramatic story about their encounter with an SS officer while queuing for their exit papers, highlighting his mother’s quick thinking and determination. The family anglicized their surname from Lowy to Layton to navigate the difficulties of being Austrian in Britain during wartime. Layton expressed pride in his new surname and the family legacy, stating, 'We’re all very happy to be Layton.' In addition to his reflections on family history, Layton shared his musical preferences, selecting songs by Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, and Nina Simone for the show.