Press release

New exhibition celebrates Dundee’s history of graphic design

Published on 24 May 2023

The ability of graphic design to change our lives is being explored at a new exhibition hosted by the University of Dundee.

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The ability of graphic design to change our lives is being explored at a new exhibition hosted by the University of Dundee.

Visitors to the University’s Lamb Gallery are invited to learn more about the power of graphic design to influence human moods and behaviours through dozens of works. Drawn from the University’s Museum Collections, the pieces were created by students or staff at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), which has a long tradition of graphic design teaching.

The exhibition, titled Got the Message, features posters, product packaging, and public health and road safety promotions from the 1930s up to the present day. Highlights include a Winalot dog food poster from 1938 by John Greensmith, who went on to be Head of Graphic Design at DJCAD, and packaging and book design from the 1950s by Kathleen Mowat, who worked for a variety of companies, including the Scottish Tourist Board.

Curator Matthew Jarron said, “The Art College began teaching aspects of graphic design in the 1890s, but it became a strong specialism in the 1930s. Since that time an extraordinary number of graduates have gone on to exceptional careers in graphic design and advertising, many of whom are featured in this glorious exhibition.”

The exhibition is open daily from Monday to Saturday and runs until 29 July. Admission is free.

Enquiries

Jonathan Watson

Senior Press Officer

+44 (0)1382 381489

j.s.watson@dundee.ac.uk
Story category Events and exhibitions