INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN BRITAIN
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,— Much criticism and general interest has been evoked by the new coinage. Is it not true that the whole question of design in such matters shoilld be subjected to more careful scrutiny ? The new coinage has been settled, and the dis. cussion of its merits or defects is now of little avail. Even more important is the possible revision of the design of postage stamps and Treasury notes. It is not sufficiently realized that foreigners and visitors judge us very largely by such external symbols, which come immediately under- their notice, and that our reputation for backwardness in industrial design is of serious disadvantage to us in trade.t. The Paris Exhibition of Decorative Arts showed that England( is too much in a " backwater," and also what an actual' commercial asset the French and Swedish, for examplei have made of their artistic enterprise.
The Government, as the largest employer and patron; could do much to set an example. There has been the, outstanding example of official intelligence in such matters' and that was when a designer was allowed, without any, restrictions being imposed, to design the symbol that became associated with the British Empire Exhibitions and appeared on our postmarks, although it was carefully excluded from, the special exhibition postage stamPs—namely, the Wembley Jion (to give it its popular title) designed by Mr. Herrick.
All questions of the design should be treated in the spirit that actuated those in authority when they allowed Mr. Herrick to design the Wembley lion. It is essentially a matter for those of proved competence, and official ignorance or suspicion of really able designers has placed Great Britain far behind Europe in many other spheres than that of coins and notes. It is this over-cautious and unenterprising attitude which, in the opinion of this Association, reacts so unfavourably on the prospects of British industry.—I am, Sir, &c.,
M. E. PIIEYSEY, Secretary, Design and Industries Association. 6 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London, W.C. 1.
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