The Post Office pioneered the use of graphic design and film as communication tools in the early 20th Century, working with many talented designers of the day.

In 1933 the GPO public relations department was born, and with it a poster publicity programme. The BPMA holds artwork and originals of these posters, forming a unique treasure of cutting edge graphic design of that period.

Find out more about GPO posters

Find out more about greetings telegrams

Address your letters plainly

(below left) This campaign encouraged the public to 'address their letters plainly' to increase  efficiency. As well as being displayed in post offices, the poster was displayed on pillar boxes to reach the widest possible audience.

Date: 1942
Artist: Hans Schleger (known as Zero)
Catalogue reference: POST 110/1179

Greetings telegram

(below centre) The second of two war economy issues, this telegram form was produced using only brown and black ink which made it less attractive. This example was sent on the final day before the telegram service was suspended in an effort to save paper.

Date: 30 April 1943
Catalogue reference: POST 33/4879 Part 1

Greetings Telegram artwork

(below right) Original artwork for the first greetings telegram form to be issued after the service was reintroduced in 1950. The artist was praised by the Post Office for the 'exuberance' and 'richness' of her work.

Date: November 1950
Artist: Claudia Freedman
Catalogue reference: POST 109/670

Illustrations

Address your letters plainly

Greetings telegram

Greetings Telegram artwork