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.