A definitive history of British design, from the post-war industry to today's most influential creators. For the past eight decades, British design has shaped the way we live, work, and express ourselves. From the road signage system of Margaret Calvert and Jock Kinneir to the punk revolution of Vivienne Westwood, and from the reimagining of household products by James Dyson to the groundbreaking architecture of Zaha Hadid, British design has continuously evolved, challenging conventions and redefining its role in society.

Its influence is stronger than ever, revealing the bold graphic protests of Extinction Rebellion, the vital role of design during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transformative effect of the Elizabeth Line, and the innovative work of contemporary designers such as Es Devlin, Yinka Ilori, and Thomas Heatherwick.

At the heart of this evolution is the Design Council, founded in 1944 to support Britain’s post-war industrial recovery. Today, it is the national champion of design in the UK – shaping policy, driving change, and demonstrating how design can enrich everyday life.

This book explores eight transformational decades of British design, revealing its profound impact on industry, culture, and society. It covers key moments such as:

• The boom of consumer goods and branding in the 1950s
• The modernist revolution of the 1960s, affecting everything from furniture to fashion
• The shift to corporate identity in the 1980s, where design became a powerful business tool
• The digital age of the 1990s and 2000s, from website design to the rise of UX
• The disruptive decades of the 2010s and 2020s, where design adapted to rapid changes – from digital transformation and political upheaval to sustainability and activism

With contributions from some of the leading voices in design – such as Deyan Sudjic, Penny Sparke, Max Fraser, and Priya Khanchandani – Eight Decades of British Design offers a richly curated portrait of an ever-evolving industry. It is essential reading for anyone fascinated by the power of design to shape the world around us.

Pages: 196, Year of Publication: 0624, Dimensions: 20.5x20.5cm