If you are passing through the museum this month, be sure to stop outside the National Art Library (NAL), as it will be your last chance to view the Commercial Graphics of the 1930s display.
The display comprises items from the Jobbing Printing collection, begun in 1936 by Deputy Keeper of the Library, Philip James. James sourced visually appealing leaflets, menu designs, magazine covers, and more, to build a rich reference resource of commercial art for aspiring designers. The NAL Services Assistants curated the display across two cases, each illuminating different aspects of the collection.
In the 1930s, graphic designers were experimenting with photomontage and Modernist typography, they were also heavily influenced by Constructivism, Surrealism and Vorticism. These techniques and styles are prominent in the first display case which features advertisements designed for companies such as Fortnum & Mason and Cadillac.
The second case shines a spotlight on the distinct and playful work of Polish Jewish graphic designers George Him and Jan Le Witt. With assistance from Philip James the duo immigrated to London where they created whimsical illustrations to promote an array of products for notable companies such as Birds Eye and London Transport.
Several events were held to further highlight the collection. On January 19th the display curators gave two free talks where they delved into the history of the collection, and at the previous Make & Meet we introduced young people to 1930s commercial art and invited them to create their own commercial graphic inspired by Jobbing Printing material.
The material displayed outside the National Art Library represents a small fraction of the Jobbing Printing collection. We have over 50 boxes containing commercial and typographic design obtained from established designers and students in the 1930s, all of which are available to view in the library upon request.
If you are unable to catch the display before it closes, fear not – all the items will be available to request once the display has ended.
Find out how to access the library
Further reading on the V&A Blog:
What in the world is ‘Jobbing Printing’?
National Art Library display: Commercial Graphics of the 1930s
Plastic made of milk???
Demystifying Jobbing Printing at the National Art Library
