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Designs on Delivery

 

Bangor Co. Down Post Office, 1936

Bangor Co. Down Post Office, 1936 (H1260)

The restrictions imposed by the commercial agreement encouraged the search for new audiences and distribution opportunities. Before the end of 1933, Tallents had commissioned the first two educational series, each comprising four separate designs on a theme, to be produced initially for schools. This was the start of the schools poster scheme that would continue until the end of the decade.

The early "prestige" posters such as History of Communications (1933) by John Armstrong were intended to encourage an understanding of the history and modern development of communications among young people. In another educational commission of that year, Overseas Communications by Harold Sandys Williamson, the Post Office's modernity is presented with reference to the machines associated with the services.

The production of educational prints was part of a movement, from the late 19th century onwards, to integrate the development of visual intelligence into the school curriculum. The first Post Office series to be launched was Overseas Communications. In November 1934 around 25,000 posters in royal format were distributed free to schools, along with associated leaflets. These posters were also produced in the larger quad crown for distribution to some Post Offices, where they were displayed continually for four months. The intention was to improve the appearance of public offices and create interest among the public. Loading mails at the dock in London. 1934, can be seen on the right, the colour poster can be seen below.

These early commissions reflect the interests of the fine art membership of the Poster Advisory Committee. Kenneth Clark, its Chairman, commented later on the aim to "raise the level of public taste". In 1935 Stephen Tallents wrote that unlike the GPO Film Unit, fine artists had difficulty in getting "under the skin" of Post Office material. This is addressed in Outposts of Britain where photography, a modern method of mechanical production, is incorporated.

Royal Mail A.D 1935

Royal Mail A.D 1935 designed by John Armstrong, 1935 (POST 110/3176)

Royal Mail A.D 1935 was one of the third series in the posters for schools scheme. The series consisted of four posters, all designed by John Armstrong. Titled History of Communications, these explored the historical development of communications from ancient Greece to the present day. The series includes Pheidippides 490 B.C., The King's Messenger A.D. 1784 and Mail Coach A.D. 1784. One of the early commissions by the advisory group, the flat background and semi-abstract forms is consistent with the modern art tendencies at the time. 

Loading air mails for the Empire: Croydon 1934

Loading air mails for the Empire: Croydon 1934designed by Harold Sandys Williamson, 1934 (POST 110/3174C)

Loading air mails for the Empire: Croydon 1934 was one of the first series in the posters for schools scheme. The series consisted of four posters, all designed by Harold Sandys Williamson, head of the Chelsea School of Art and Design. Titled Overseas Communications, these explored the geographical development of Post Office communications through different modes of transport. The series includes Relays Carrying the King’s messages 1482, Loading the transatlantic mail at Falmouth. 1833 and Loading mails at the dock in London. 1934. 

Outposts of Britain. A postman in Northern Scotland

Outposts of Britain. A postman in Northern Scotlanddesigned by Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1937 (POST 110/2495)

Outposts of Britain. A postman in Northern Scotland was one of the sixth series in the posters for schools scheme. The series of four posters by Edward McKnight Kauffer showed how the Post Office could overcome distance, reaching out to distant places. This photomontage combines the modern medium of photography with painted elements in Post Office poster design for the first time. It also introduces the incorporation of lettering as an integral part of the design.

Outposts of Empire. Central Australia

Outposts of Empire. Central Australiadesigned by John Vickery, 1938 (POST 110/2498)

Outposts of Empire. Central Australia was one of the seventh series in the posters for schools scheme. The poster was one of four designed by John Vickery in the series. Geographical distance is bridged by modern modes of transport, but it is the familiar postman that still delivers the mail in remote places. Writing in a report on the poster programme in 1935 Stephen Tallents suggested that greater attention be given to overseas subjects. As well as suggesting the world-wide range of Post Office activity, this could also be of advantage to public offices dealing with short range transactions.

Airmail routes

Airmail routesdesigned by Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1935 (POST 110/3177B)

This poster was commissioned in 1934 and issued in 1935 as part of the posters for schools scheme. In the minutes of the advisory group, two airmail posters were to be commissioned to accompany the map. Expanding across Africa and then Asia, airmail finally reached Australia, and a regular service between London and Brisbane began in December 1934. McKnight Kauffer’s map celebrates the triumphs of technology over time and space, depicting the world contained in the palm of a hand.

Loading mails at the dock in London. 1934

Loading mails at the dock in London. 1934designed by Harold Sandys Williamson, 1934 (POST 110/3174B)

This poster can be seen on the right hand side of Bangor Co. Down Post Office in the black and white photo above.