Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case GG, Shelf 60, Box IV

Poster

1900 (made), 1890 - 1910 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This is a colour lithograph, or chromolithograph. A lithograph is a picture made by printing from a flat surface (traditionally stone, now often a metal plate), on which the artist draws or paints the original design with a greasy substance like chalk. The surface is next prepared, moistened and inked; the greasy printing ink adheres to the design, which is then printed onto a sheet of paper. To make a colour lithograph, a separate printing surface is required for each colour: this chromolithograph was printed from no fewer than 24 colour blocks.

Trading
The trademark product of A. & F. Pears was its transparent amber soap, which was developed and promoted as a great improvement on the harshness of contemporary soaps by the company's founder, Andrew Pears, at the turn of the 18th century. In the mid-19th century, the company took on a new partner, Thomas J. Barratt to stave off fierce competition and to improve sales performance. He devised a series of expensive and original publicity schemes, the most famous of which was the adaptation of John Everett Millais' painting Bubbles as an advertisement for Pears Soap. He also promoted art through the pages of Pears Annual (published 1890-1921, and price six pence until 1915). Presentation plates like this one were given away as a separate package with the Pears Annual.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Colour lithograph
Brief description
Anonymous pictorial advertisement for Pears soap, c. 1890-1910.
Physical description
Colour lithograph pictorial advertisment
Dimensions
  • Height: 43cm
  • Width: 32.2cm
Various sizes.
Gallery label
British Galleries: The manufacturers of Pears Soap aimed to link their product with art and culture and their advertisements were sometimes based on paintings by famous artists. The company also published their own 'Pears Annual' which included presentation plates, such as this, for framing and hanging at home.(27/03/2003)
Object history
Published by A&F Pears, London
Association
Summary
Object Type
This is a colour lithograph, or chromolithograph. A lithograph is a picture made by printing from a flat surface (traditionally stone, now often a metal plate), on which the artist draws or paints the original design with a greasy substance like chalk. The surface is next prepared, moistened and inked; the greasy printing ink adheres to the design, which is then printed onto a sheet of paper. To make a colour lithograph, a separate printing surface is required for each colour: this chromolithograph was printed from no fewer than 24 colour blocks.

Trading
The trademark product of A. & F. Pears was its transparent amber soap, which was developed and promoted as a great improvement on the harshness of contemporary soaps by the company's founder, Andrew Pears, at the turn of the 18th century. In the mid-19th century, the company took on a new partner, Thomas J. Barratt to stave off fierce competition and to improve sales performance. He devised a series of expensive and original publicity schemes, the most famous of which was the adaptation of John Everett Millais' painting Bubbles as an advertisement for Pears Soap. He also promoted art through the pages of Pears Annual (published 1890-1921, and price six pence until 1915). Presentation plates like this one were given away as a separate package with the Pears Annual.
Bibliographic reference
Victoria & Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illlustration and Design & Department of Paintings, Accessions 1919, London: His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1921.
Collection
Accession number
E.1064-1919

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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