Eye Magazine

A new exhibition showcasing the best of British poster design opens at Black Dog Space tomorrow. The show coincides with the launch of Paul Rennie’s Modern British Posters: Art, Design & Communication (Black Dog Publishing).

In the book, Rennie argues that posters are more than beautiful bits of printed paper, but that ‘their status as historical artefacts and their connection to the larger themes of social progress and collective identity combine to present a bigger story.’ This big collection spans the period from 1918 to the late 1960s, and visitors can look forward to piecing together their own interpretation of Britain’s graphic narrative. Additional historical background and analysis can be found in Rennie's ‘Social Vision’ article in Eye 52.

Top: ‘Get Skilled Aid’, Manfred Reiss, 1940s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Below: ‘The Rye Marshes’, Paul Nash, 1932, Shell Mex & BP.

Above: ‘Look! Before Opening!’, Roland Davies, 1950s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Below: ‘Make Sure They’re Safe’, Anon., 1950s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Above: ‘Keep Them Off The Road’, Anon., 1950s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Below: ‘Wait for the traffic to stop’, Anon., 1960s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Above: ‘Always wear a safety helmet’, Anon., 1970s, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

14 June > 13 August 2010
Modern British Posters
Black Dog Space
10a Acton St
London, WC1X 9NG
www.blackdogonline.com

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