The Poster: A Visual History

Hardback

Main Details

Title The Poster: A Visual History
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Gill Saunders
By (author) Margaret Timmers
By (author) Catherine Flood
By (author) Zorian Clayton
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 298,Width 240
Category/GenreGraphic design
Poster art
ISBN/Barcode 9780500480380
ClassificationsDewey:741.67409
Audience
General
Illustrations 327 Illustrations, color

Publishing Details

Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publication Date 27 August 2020
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Even in the digital age, the printed poster retains an important, much-loved role in connecting with audiences in a way that both entertains and informs. The V&A was one of the first museums to start collecting posters and to recognize the importance of doing so. Far from ephemeral, posters are both a representation of the time in which they were produced and distributed and, in many instances, have shaped the societies in which they were seen. The story of the poster is both one of changing styles and new innovations in design, illustration and printing, and a visually compelling social history. The Poster brings together over 300 examples that tell a comprehensive visual history of poster design and the various ways the poster has been used to tell, to sell, to charm and to spur on change. Organized into seven thematic chapters that tell the story of the poster as a medium, each poster is accompanied by a concise commentary that explains the work in terms of its design, printing, content, message and the commercial, social or political impact it may have had. Featuring works by the masters of poster design that have become popular and highly collectible classics, charting the ebb and flow of styles such as Art Nouveau, Modernism, Art Deco, Psychedelia and Punk and featuring the nostalgic glow of muchloved brands as well as posters that shook and changed the world, The Poster will be an essential visual resource for graphic designers and illustrators - a reference for anyone with an interest in collecting posters and an engaging design and social history for all who appreciate this most popular of art forms.

Author Biography

Gill Saunders is Senior Curator of Prints in the Word & Image Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum and an honorary member of the Printmakers Council.

Reviews

A beautiful and entertaining account of the history of the medium.-- "The Washington Post" Colorful and comprehensive, an entertaining visual history with something for everyone.-- "Library Journal"