Graphic Design in the Early 20th Century
2. “Describe how the graphic imagery in posters, book design or advertising related to its contemporary socio-economic or political context. Refer to examples in the early 20th century.”
Graphic Design in the early 20th century was created by artists as a prescribed function of advertising and propaganda, and was considered a secondary art form. Through the use of lithographic printing, woodblock prints, chromolithography, drawing and painting, many artists were able to produce striking images on posters, which conveyed messages that were directly related to the issues facing society at that time.
During the first and Second world wars, graphic design posters had become a very popular way of spreading a message to society via mass production. The posters during this time period (between about 1915-1945) often consisted of recruiting posters, propaganda messages, persuasion, warning and motivation. These images were very particular to the time period, as they were mostly regarding political, social and war issues faced by the local society at that time. When looking back at designs made internationally at this same time period, it is clear to see from which country or region of the world each design originated, as the content strongly reflects the issues in which that particular society was facing at that time and were often very patriotic.
A fantastic example of graphic design posters of the Early 20th century that have content and form that clearly reflects both the socio-economic and political context of the time and country is the rare ‘Silver into Bullets’ Poster campaign launched by the British Parliamentary War Savings committee between 1914-1918 which shows a hand dropping silver coins which turn into silver bullets, stating the headline ‘Turn your silver into bullets at the post office’.
This graphic imagery is strong and clear in its message. The Parliamentary War savings committee operated through donations and fees paid by citizens in order to fund
Graphic Design in the early 20th century was created by artists as a prescribed function of advertising and propaganda, and was considered a secondary art form. Through the use of lithographic printing, woodblock prints, chromolithography, drawing and painting, many artists were able to produce striking images on posters, which conveyed messages that were directly related to the issues facing society at that time.
During the first and Second world wars, graphic design posters had become a very popular way of spreading a message to society via mass production. The posters during this time period (between about 1915-1945) often consisted of recruiting posters, propaganda messages, persuasion, warning and motivation. These images were very particular to the time period, as they were mostly regarding political, social and war issues faced by the local society at that time. When looking back at designs made internationally at this same time period, it is clear to see from which country or region of the world each design originated, as the content strongly reflects the issues in which that particular society was facing at that time and were often very patriotic.
A fantastic example of graphic design posters of the Early 20th century that have content and form that clearly reflects both the socio-economic and political context of the time and country is the rare ‘Silver into Bullets’ Poster campaign launched by the British Parliamentary War Savings committee between 1914-1918 which shows a hand dropping silver coins which turn into silver bullets, stating the headline ‘Turn your silver into bullets at the post office’.
This graphic imagery is strong and clear in its message. The Parliamentary War savings committee operated through donations and fees paid by citizens in order to fund