British Posters: Advertising, Art & Activism

Drawing on the V&A’s wide-ranging poster collection, this book maps how the poster has evolved in Britain since 1945 in the hands of graphic designers and fine artists, advertising agencies and counter-cultural groups. The range spans ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaigns, lavishly produced Benson & Hedges billboards, punk rock posters, hand-printed indictments of politicians and public art projects on the Underground.

Defying regular predictions of its demise, the poster in Britain has adapted itself within achanging technological environment. It has absorbed new directions in art and design and has met unfolding social and commercial challenges. British Posters considers these developments and looks at the varying platforms that posters occupy. As part of the living skin of our cities, posters have entered into conflicts over the content and control of public space. Behind closed doors we have welcomed posters into our homes, Blu-Tacked them to our bedroom walls and made collections of them. Today, in an age of digital media and viral communication, the poster remains an irresistible proposition.