Victoria and Albert Museum's 1930s Commercial Graphics Display Concludes at National Art Library
This month, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is wrapping up its exhibition 'Commercial Graphics of the 1930s' near the National Art Library, providing a last chance for visitors. Curated by NAL Services Assistants, the display utilizes the Jobbing Printing collection started in 1936 by Deputy Keeper Philip James, who gathered materials like leaflets, menu designs, and magazine covers for designers’ reference. Two cases feature distinct themes: one presents advertisements from brands such as Fortnum & Mason and Cadillac, showcasing influences like Constructivism and Surrealism. The other highlights the playful designs of Polish Jewish graphic artists George Him and Jan Le Witt, who, with James's help, illustrated for companies like Birds Eye. Supporting events included curator talks on January 19th and a 2026 Make & Meet workshop for youth to create collages inspired by the collection. The exhibition highlights just a fraction of the extensive Jobbing Printing collection, which contains over 50 boxes of 1930s commercial and typographic design, available for viewing in the library after the exhibition ends.
Key facts
- The display 'Commercial Graphics of the 1930s' is ending this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum's National Art Library in London.
- It features items from the Jobbing Printing collection started in 1936 by Deputy Keeper Philip James.
- NAL Services Assistants curated the exhibition across two display cases.
- One case includes advertisements for Fortnum & Mason and Cadillac, showing 1930s design influences like Constructivism and photomontage.
- The other case highlights work by Polish Jewish graphic designers George Him and Jan Le Witt, who created illustrations for Birds Eye and London Transport.
- Free talks by curators were held on January 19th to discuss the collection's history.
- A Make & Meet event in 2026 involved young people creating collages based on Jobbing Printing material.
- The full Jobbing Printing collection contains over 50 boxes of 1930s design, accessible in the library upon request.
Entities
Artists
- Philip James
- George Him
- Jan Le Witt
Institutions
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- National Art Library
- Fortnum & Mason
- Cadillac
- Birds Eye
- London Transport
- Esselte Reklam
- V&A Blog
Locations
- London
- England
- Stockholm
- Switzerland