Advertising and the Artist: Ashley Havinden

Under the professional name “Ashley”, Ashley Havinden (1903-1973) was one of the most successful advertising artists and designers working in Britain in the 20th century. He made his reputation as a graphic designer and the Creative Director of WS Crawford, the most progressive advertising agency in the UK since the 1920s. Amongst his highly influential designs were campaigns for clients as diverse as the Milk Marketing Board, Chrysler Cars, Eno’s Fruit Salts, Gillette and Simpsons of Piccadilly. This book marks the centenary of Havinden’s birth, and it draws extensively upon material which has been donated or lent from Ashley Havinden’s estate to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. Contributors to the book include Michael Havinden, Ashley’s son, who has written a personal account of his father’s life; Alice Strang who explores Ashley’s collection of artworks by eminent artist friends; Ann Simpson who examines his interior design work; and Richard Hollis who discusses his influence on 20th-century design.

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