Eight Decades of British Design

Discover the extraordinary journey of British design through eight decades of innovation, influence and impact, as the Design Council's legacy unfolds from postwar recovery to shaping a sustainable future.

Eight Decades of British Design: Design Council, 1944 to Today celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Design Council, the UK's national strategic advisor for design. This lavishly illustrated book traces the evolution of British design from postwar recovery to global phenomenon, showcasing the pivotal role of publicly funded institutions in shaping the country's design legacy.

Established in 1944, the Design Council's initial mission was to improve design in British industry. Over eight decades, it has fulfilled this mission and more, connecting designers with communities, influencing government policies and promoting sustainability through initiatives like 'Design for Planet'.

The book explores how organisations like the Design Council, Victoria & Albert Museum and leading design universities have fostered world-class design education and training. It features iconic designs from the Routemaster bus to Alexander McQueen's fashion collections, as well as emerging 'classics of the future' making an impact in the fight against climate change.

Divided into nine chapters, one for each decade from the 1940s to today, the book includes contributions from renowned design historians and firsthand accounts from design luminaries such as Paul Smith and Thomas Heatherwick. It also showcases previously unseen images from the Council's rich 80-year archive.

Eight Decades of British Design not only celebrates the past but also looks to the future, examining how British design can continue to address the challenges of our time.