Posters
The BPMA boasts a collection of over 6,000 posters. Dating from the 1930s the collection continues to grow. Newly-produced posters advertising Royal Mail services arrive frequently. In addition to the poster collection, the BPMA has many examples of original artwork in archive class POST 109. Many of the posters themselves are part of POST 110, and are currently being catalogued.
During the 1920s there was a boom in graphic design. Major companies, like the railways and London Underground, were at the forefront of poster design.
In 1933 Stephen Tallents was appointed Public Relations Officer for The Post Office and set out on a programme of change. Bringing his experience of The Empire Marketing Board, Tallents commissioned many of the period's exciting graphic designers. He established The Post Office as a leader and trend setter in poster design.
Examples from our Collection
Here are some examples of posters from our collection:
Post Office Savings Bank poster, 1942-1943
Reminder to the public to use the Post Office's services efficiently during World War 2.
'Is your wireless licensed?' poster, 1950
One of a series issued in the 1940-50s. Designed by H A Rothholz.
'Go Ahead' poster, c. 1991
This design is for the WLA (Work Load Assessment) series. The artist is unknown.
'Cycle of a letter' poster, 1990s
Example of a poster used for staff training. This one includes information on Royal Mail standards.
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Designs on Delivery
An online exhibition looking at our unique poster collection
From the 1930s the Post Office became a leader in poster design, commissioning Britain's best artists and designers.
Replica GPO Posters
Buy vintage General Post Office posters from the BPMA collection
Our replica posters are printed on demand, in a range of sizes and formats, for fast worldwide dispatch.
