1950s Modern: British Style and Design: 685 (Shire Library) - Softcover

After the privations of the Second World War the British embraced modern design like never before. From spindly-legged furniture to fabrics based on atomic design, and quirkily patterned pottery to abstract graphics, they wanted everything around them to reflect the bright new post-war world. This book traces the development of modern design in the 1950s, from its genteel beginnings at the Festival of Britain to the shops brimming with slick products at the end of the decade. Looking at well-known classics, popular favourites, the work of famous designers and that of anonymous innovators, it is a perfect introduction to the flamboyant and sometimes kitsch style of the decade when we learnt to love the modern.

Susannah Walker studied Design History and since then has worked as an exhibition curator, writer and television producer specialising in design and architecture. She is currently writing a book about Tom Eckersley and runs a blog, Quad Royal, about British posters and graphics. She is writing 'Home Front Posters' for Shire.