Overview

Cover of a tunnel book decorated with a shell with two peepholes. The words 'In winter and in summer you can be sure of Shell' are printed along the top and bottom.

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

Search the archive

Search the Barnett Freedman Archive

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.

Get in touch

Staff helping a student at the Helpdesk

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our collections and archives, our friendly team will be able to help. Visit the Contact us page for ways to get in touch.

Other collections you might like