Paul Rennie – författare

A celebration of the Liberty scarf, a timeless accessory launched in the early 1900s that has been central to Liberty’s reputation for luxury and excellence. The Liberty Scarf is a captivating tribute to one of fashion’s most enduring luxury accessories, celebrating its rich heritage and exquisite artistry. From the early 1900s, when silk scarves were first printed at Liberty’s own printworks in London, the Liberty scarf evolved into a timeless emblem of effortless sophistication, admired for its lustrous, finely woven silk and distinctive, intricate prints. It has long stood as a symbol of British elegance and artistic expression, seamlessly blending heritage with modernity. Showcasing Liberty’s global reputation for innovation and mastery in textile craftsmanship, this book unveils the beauty and precision behind each scarf, drawing from Liberty’s extraordinary archive – from nature-inspired classics and heritage motifs to bold abstract designs reflecting post-war and contemporary influences.

An overview of the work of 20th-century graphic design icon Tom Eckersley – packed with hundreds of his instantly recognisable designs.From iconic posters for the Post Office and London Transport to designs for brands such as Guinness, this richly illustrated book explores the work of influential British poster artist and design teacher Tom Eckersley (1914–1997).Part of the 'outsider' generation that transformed graphic design in Britain in the mid-century era, Eckersley’s instantly recognisable posters have become true icons of 20th-century style. Here, design writer and former Eckersley archivist Paul Rennie gives a fascinating exploration of Eckersley’s life and work, from his Northern upbringing and early career, through pioneering work during the Second World War, to his central role in mid-century graphic design in the decades that followed.Over 200 designs from throughout Eckersley’s career are featured. Made in his signature style combining bold, bright colours and flat graphic shapes, there are designs for clients such as the BBC, British Rail, Keep Britain Tidy, Gillette, BP and Shell.The book also examines Eckersley’s position at the forefront of the explosion of print culture in the 20th century, how he helped to transform design education in Britain, and the lasting legacy he left behind.A celebration of a true mid-century modern master, this is the first book on Tom Eckersley of its kind and will appeal to anyone interested in graphic design and visual communication.

Inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival of Britain followed soon after the austerity of the war years. The major events were focused around the twenty-seven-acre bomb site around Waterloo Station, although events happened throughout the UK. The Festival was almost immediately unfashionable amongst commentators. It was viewed with suspicion by political conservatives and quickly dismantled. An establishment orthodoxy quickly emerged that called into question the Festival's objectives. This political ambivalence towards the Festival is confounded by the popularity of the Festival amongst collectors, social historians and anybody interested in post-war British culture and society. This book is the first to present the story of the Festival of Britain, held in 1951, through its souvenirs. These objects were produced to commemorate The Tonic to the Nation. Retrospectively, they testify to the enormous popular appeal of the Festival. Festival of Britain 1951, the most recent addition to