Barnett Freedman Archive
The archive of the artist and designer, Barnett Freedman (1901–1958)
Overview
This extensive archive records the work and the personal life of artist and designer Barnett Freedman (1901-1958), who is increasingly recognised as a central figure in 20th century British commercial art and design.
It includes working papers, artwork, rough designs, and examples of Freedman’s finished work. In addition, there is a substantial amount of correspondence with many of the central figures in the early/mid-20th century British art world. The archive ranges in date from Freedman’s time as a student at the Royal College of Art in the 1920s until his death in 1958.
Image: Tunnel book, designed and illustrated by Barnett Freedman for Shell-Mex and BP Limited, 1932 © Estate of Barnett Freedman
Material in the archive includes:
- Freedman’s pioneering work in auto-lithographic printing
- innovative book-cover designs and illustrations
- work relating to his time as an Official War Artist
- design work for companies such as Shell Mex and BP, Faber and Faber and the General Post Office
The archive holds more than 5,800 items and can be searched online using the Search link below. You can view it in person in our Reading Room by making an appointment. If you’d like to bring your students to see some of the archive, enquire about a group visit.
Access the archive
Photography and Copyright
You can photograph our collections for personal study and research only. Just ask for a Photography Permission Form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
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