JOHN HASSALL: LIFE AND ART OF THE POSTER KING

Expertly written by Lucinda

Gosling, and brimming over with the glorious works of legendary illustrator John Hassall, this book explores the full scope of his prolific output, and celebrates his life a century on from his heyday.

“The Poster King”, as Hassall became known, began his career as Europe’s love affair with posters was taking off, making his name in an age when advertising hoardings were known as the “poor man’s art gallery”. With bold lines, bright colours and cheery style, his designs made him one of Britain’s best-loved artists. Famous works, such as his “Skegness is SO bracing” poster are embedded in popular culture. Of course, it wasn’t just the abundance of posters for travel companies, theatres and well-known brands. Gosling guides us through Hassall’s magazine and book illustrations, humorous postcards and watercolour and oil paintings, not to mention his designs for toys, figurines and pottery.

In his personal life, he was by all accounts “straightforward, unassuming, modest . . . always ready to listen to a tale of woe and share his good fortune with another”. With a larger-than-life personality, too, the consummate clubman was often a subject and inspiration for other artists, particularly at the London Sketch Club of which he was a prominent member.

Gosling knows her subject inside out, as you’d expect from someone who works at the historical picture library Mary Evans (you’ll definitely have seen some of their lovely pics on the pages of This England).

She’s also written an exclusive feature on Hassall’s festive designs for our Christmas Special, which is available from 22 September. Unicorn, £30,

ISBN: 978-1-91349123-9