Not on display

Paddington Printshop poster

Poster
1982 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In 1974, a group of artists and designers opened Paddington Printshop in an old factory in north west London. The collective produced posters in support of international causes, such as the anti-apartheid movement, but specialised in promoting community events and campaigns, particularly housing issues. Posters supported squatters’ rights and named and shamed local councils, highlighting neglected property and attempts to sell housing stock to private developers. “The style was fairly eclectic,” said Printshop founder John Phillips. “We wanted to help people express themselves or find a form of expression for the campaign that was appropriate.” Inspiration for the designs came from a range of sources, including the work of Japanese and Cuban artists, and from Pop Art. The Printshop operated throughout the 1970s and 1980s but changing technology, notably the development of photocopying, brought about its formal closure in 1991.

Object details

Category
Object type
TitlePaddington Printshop poster (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Printing ink on paper
Brief description
Poster produced by Paddington Printshop, 'Rastafarian Women's Organisation presents Fund Raising Dance in support of our children's summer project; Sat June 19 1982; The Factory Chippenham Mews'
Physical description
Poster advertising a Fund Raising Dance presented by the Rastafarian Women's Organisation 'in support of our children's summer project' on Saturday, 19 June 1982, at The Factory, Chippenham Mews, London, W9. Printed in green, red and yellow with black lettering, and featuring a map of Africa on which is a black and white photograph of seven young Africans, head and shoulders, their hair coloured in red and their clothes variously tinted in the colours of the poster.
Dimensions
  • Height: 76.1cm
  • Width: 50.1cm
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Johan Kugelberg
Summary
In 1974, a group of artists and designers opened Paddington Printshop in an old factory in north west London. The collective produced posters in support of international causes, such as the anti-apartheid movement, but specialised in promoting community events and campaigns, particularly housing issues. Posters supported squatters’ rights and named and shamed local councils, highlighting neglected property and attempts to sell housing stock to private developers. “The style was fairly eclectic,” said Printshop founder John Phillips. “We wanted to help people express themselves or find a form of expression for the campaign that was appropriate.” Inspiration for the designs came from a range of sources, including the work of Japanese and Cuban artists, and from Pop Art. The Printshop operated throughout the 1970s and 1980s but changing technology, notably the development of photocopying, brought about its formal closure in 1991.
Collection
Accession number
S.286-2021

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Record createdJune 30, 2018
Record URL
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