Graphic Design: New show celebrates Tom Eckersley as "Master of the Poster"

In 1954, Tom Eckersley set up the UK’s first undergraduate graphic design course at what was then the London College of Printing (LCP). Now the London College of Communication (the current incarnation of the LCP) is paying tribute to the man who pioneered graphic design’s new identity, as differentiated from commercial art.

With 40 posters ranging from the 1940s to the 1980s, the exhibition (which coincides with the centenary of his birth) aims to “to recognise Eckersley’s immeasurable legacy as a practitioner and teacher.” As LCC dean of design Lawrence Zeegen puts it: “As 21st century communication design and media races ever onwards, finding a moment to pause and reflect upon the discipline’s past, amidst the barrage of multi-disciplinary, multi-platform, multi-layered visual messages, is increasingly relevant.

“It is crucial in our understanding and appreciation of communication design’s past, present and future.”

Tom Eckersley: Master of the Poster runs from January 11 until January 29 at LCC.