While data visualisation is seeing a renaissance, with the current new wave of info-graphic designers interpreting and presenting figures in all sorts of contexts, London Transport Museum’s upcoming exhibition reminds us of the history of the popular design tool. ‘Painting By Numbers’ displays work by artists making sense of statistics as early as the 1920s.
<p>The retrospective exhibition, part of the museum’s Poster Parade, is a collection of 20 original London Underground posters dating back to the early 20th Century including work from artists Hans Schleger, Misha Black & David Langdon, Theyre Lee-Elliott and James Fitton. Some of the posters were designed to promote the benefits of using the London transport system, while other propaganda posters inform passengers of the excellent service on offer.</p>
<p>The London Underground’s intelligent use of artwork is evident today, and it’s interesting to see that it boasts a history of strong visual communication. Painting By Numbers opens on 6th January 2012 at the London Transport Museum.</p>