Extension (telephone) / GPO thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the National Art Library

Extension (telephone) / GPO

Trade Literature
ca. 1936] (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Extension (telephone) / GPO.
Great Britain. Post Office

Publisher:
[London? : GPO, ca. 1936].

Description:
1 folded sheet ([4] p.) : col. ill. ; 19 cm.

Series:
P.H. ; 204

Notes:
Designed by Morris, almost certainly G.R.Morris.
Trade literature.
Part of the Jobbing Printing Collection.
38041800168353 Exhibited in NAL touring exhibition 'Inspiration by Design: Word and Image from the National Art Library at the V&A', State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, 20 March 2015-14 June 2015 and State Library of New South Wales, Sydney, 8 July 2015-27 Sept. 2015.

Subjects:
Telephone -- Great Britain.

Genre or Form:
Trade catalogues -- England 1936.
Advertising literature (writings) -- England 1936.

Names:
Great Britain. Post Office
Morris, G. R., designer.
National Art Library (Great Britain). Jobbing Printing Collection.

Added Title:
Telephone extension.




Object details

Category
Object type
TitleExtension (telephone) / GPO
Brief description
Extension (telephone) / GPO. Great Britain. Post Office Publisher: [London? : GPO, ca. 1936].
Physical description
Extension (telephone) / GPO.
Great Britain. Post Office

Publisher:
[London? : GPO, ca. 1936].

Description:
1 folded sheet ([4] p.) : col. ill. ; 19 cm.

Series:
P.H. ; 204

Notes:
Designed by Morris, almost certainly G.R.Morris.
Trade literature.
Part of the Jobbing Printing Collection.
38041800168353 Exhibited in NAL touring exhibition 'Inspiration by Design: Word and Image from the National Art Library at the V&A', State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, 20 March 2015-14 June 2015 and State Library of New South Wales, Sydney, 8 July 2015-27 Sept. 2015.

Subjects:
Telephone -- Great Britain.

Genre or Form:
Trade catalogues -- England 1936.
Advertising literature (writings) -- England 1936.

Names:
Great Britain. Post Office
Morris, G. R., designer.
National Art Library (Great Britain). Jobbing Printing Collection.

Added Title:
Telephone extension.


Gallery label
Promoting Commercial Art: The Initiative of 1936 After the economic crash of 1929–30, commercial graphics were considered a major tool in efforts to stimulate consumption and revive the world economy. In 1936, the Library devised a project to extend its considerable collection of commercial graphics. It solicited samples of work from significant designers throughout Europe and America to create an ‘open reference collection [representing] the trend of typographic design, both in [Britain] and abroad’ for the benefit of students. The idea that graphic art was essential both in business and in shaping consumer taste recalls some of the founding principles of the Museum. A small exhibition, Modern Commercial Typography, publicised the collection. Current but traditional work was displayed next to material that showed the influence of progressive developments in architecture and photography. Simplicity was valued over ornamental detail and typography given a dramatic role. Included in the exhibition were examples of new techniques such as airbrushing and photomontage. General Post Office Brochures Leaflets and posters promoting the General Post Office exposed the public to a range of modernist styles. Sir Stephen Tallents (1884–1958), Public Relations Officer at the GPO from 1933, re-designed its image as a leader in communications technology. He was a pioneer in commissioning artists for the organisation’s printed publicity rather than using advertising agencies. He also ensured that designers’ names appeared on their work. G.R. Morris (active mid-20th century) Extension 1936 London Published by the General Post Office Donated by the General Post Office Museum no. 38041800168353
Collection
Library number
38041800168353

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdOctober 27, 2017
Record URL
Download as: JSON