Commercial Design
There had been a first ‘golden age’ of British advertising during the inter-war years. Newspaper work, magazine illustration, lithographic poster production, book jacket design and art editorial work would occupy Jon in the formative years of his career just before the war.
As the economy recovered in the 1950’s a second golden age of advertising emerged. Pre-TV, art skills were still in high demand. Jon was associated with some big brand advertising ranging from Andrex, Atora and Stork to Firestone Tyres and Senior Service cigarettes. Packaging, brochures, display and murals were all undertaken.
During the 50’s, Jon became one of the foremost creators of commercial mobiles. A number of card ‘push-out’ designs were strung in delicate balance from barely visible nylon twine. Their movement in a draught attracted the eye of potential customers as they entered or moved about a shop.
The skill in creating these items would be to craft the appropriate balance of weight between the different card shapes so that they didn’t collapse on each other. Jon had this knack. This plus his jaunty figure work became a winning combination.
Of particular interest in the Sussex area are murals and décor for the interior of the West Pier and Millwards shoe shop in Brighton from the late 1940’s.
