The Design Research Unit

a black and white image of a London bus next to a subway entrance. There are lots of road signs and street signs which are present in the photo.

Formed in London in 1942, The Design Research Unit were responsible for some of the most important design produced in post‐war Britain.  They pioneered a model for multidisciplinary practice, being the first consultancy in the country to bring together expertise in architecture, graphics and industrial design.  

This exhibition is the first of its kind, mapping the history of the group and the currency of their designs.  It spans more than four decades of their work, focusing on some of their most significant projects and charting their ambition to bring elegant and functional design to all sections of society.  

Click here to read a review by Creative Review

A Cubitt Gallery touring exhibition

An outside of a pub called the "Poniard Arms". This pub is on the corner of a street, which has the bottom floor protruding into the street.
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Outside of a pub named, 'Cork and Lion'. The pub has a sign attached to the wall which shows a lion with a cockerel perched on its tail.
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An image of the "British Rail Corporate Identity Manual" This volume has three books within it.
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A wide shot of a large hanger type building, where there are several levels. There are exhibitions on each levels which show a range of different objects.
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a section of four images which show different typefaces.
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a mezzanine level of a large open building.
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An architectural sketch of a building which is along the bow of a river.
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A central male figure gives a presentation to a group of other interested looking male participants. Behind the central figure, there are posters with maps and text.
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A selection of boxes, some small rectangular, some cylindrical. These are all branded as Ilford, and displays a wide rang of products.
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Image of three books, the first two are closed and are titled "Corporate Identity Manual". The third at the bottom is open showing an image of a container on the back of a lorry.
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The design research committee sat around a game of chess in a room where there are old maps on the walls.
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The members of the design research committee sat at a u shaped table, drinking tea, passing biscuits and smoking.
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An outside of a pub called the "Poniard Arms". This pub is on the corner of a street, which has the bottom floor protruding into the street.
Image has no caption
Outside of a pub named, 'Cork and Lion'. The pub has a sign attached to the wall which shows a lion with a cockerel perched on its tail.
Image has no caption
An image of the "British Rail Corporate Identity Manual" This volume has three books within it.
Image has no caption
A wide shot of a large hanger type building, where there are several levels. There are exhibitions on each levels which show a range of different objects.
Image has no caption
a section of four images which show different typefaces.
Image has no caption
a mezzanine level of a large open building.
Image has no caption
An architectural sketch of a building which is along the bow of a river.
Image has no caption
A central male figure gives a presentation to a group of other interested looking male participants. Behind the central figure, there are posters with maps and text.
Image has no caption
A selection of boxes, some small rectangular, some cylindrical. These are all branded as Ilford, and displays a wide rang of products.
Image has no caption
Image of three books, the first two are closed and are titled "Corporate Identity Manual". The third at the bottom is open showing an image of a container on the back of a lorry.
Image has no caption
The design research committee sat around a game of chess in a room where there are old maps on the walls.
Image has no caption
The members of the design research committee sat at a u shaped table, drinking tea, passing biscuits and smoking.
Image has no caption

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