Design Research Unit 1942-72

"Formed in London in 1942, The Design Research Unit was the first consultancy in Britain to bring together expertise in architecture, graphics and industrial design. They pioneered a model for multidisciplinary practice with an approach that was shaped by inter-war developments in artistic discourse and post war trends in industry and communication; in particular the accelerated demand for corporate design." - Tate St Ives

The only image that the Tate seems to be sharing online, regarding this exhibition.

The exhibition was only in one room of the Tate but it was really good, and well worth the £3.75. The Design Research Unit is not something I had heard of before seeing this exhibition listed in Grafik magazine last month.

Misha Black, Marcus Brumwell, Milner Gray and Herbert Read were the original brains behind the DRU. The DRU was responsible for work on the 1951 Festival of Britain.

A nice graphic map for that. Featured in the exhibition.

They also designed the British Rail logo and did their branding! I feel I definitely should have known that before, well, I do now.

I just found that book cover here. Incidentally there is a set of photos from the same exhibition, just not at St Ives! So have a look. Anyway, DRU also designed the Westminster Street signs - which I love.

Why have I never wondered who designed them?

And why couldn't I find my own photo of a sign? Surely I must have photographed at least one of these before! Nothing in my "signs & lettering" folder however. Haha.

So, great exhibition.