Oral history; Interview with David Gentleman, 2008

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Main details for this item.

Reference number	2010/3421
Description	David Gentleman talks about his experience as an artist working for London Transport.
Interviewee	David Gentleman
Dates	28/04/2008
Collection	Sound recordings
Object type	Oral history
Topics	Heathrow London Underground Charing Cross Wood cutting Artist Designer
Completeness	66% 66% ?

• Physical description

  Item content

  Attribute	Value
  Object title	Oral history interview with David Gentleman, 2008

• Interview summary

  David Gentleman (DG) was born on 11 March 1930 in Hertford. Both parents were artists who trained in Glasgow and moved to London to find work. Recalls that his father worked as an illustrator for Shell. Remembers some famous artists who his father knew [00.03.00]. Describes how his artistic parents had some influence on his decision to go to art college [00.06.00]. DG spent an enjoyable year at St Albans Art College before doing National Service. Remembers becoming a sergeant in education corps teaching painting during National Service in the army in Cornwall [00.09.00]. Describes spending three years learning a wide range of artistic and practical skills at the Royal College of Art (RCA) [00.12.26]. Offered a job as a junior tutor at the RCA and begins to undertake freelance work. Notes that the RCA gave him confidence in drawing [00.15.00]. Remembers a RCA travelling scholarship to Italy. Describes his first big commission was a lithograph for J Lyons Ltd. After leaving his teaching post at the RCA DG obtained his first commission from London Transport (LT) to design a poster called visitors London. Explains the design of the poster and notes that LT’s chief designer Mr Hutchison (MH) gave limited advice [00.18.48]. DG explains that he worked solely with Hutchison rather than a LT design team. Adds that he has always preferred to work on his own rather than in a team. Explains how he drew and painted the four colour LT poster [00.22.00]. Describes the production of his well-known ‘Animal Vegetable Musical’ poster for LT using a scrapper board technique to make it more interesting [00.24.30]. DG recalls obtaining a commission from Michael Levy (ML), Hutchison’s replacement at LT to make pictures of nine people of with a centenary in 1961. Lists the nine people and explains in detail the production of the posters. Contrasts the different approaches between MH and ML [00.28.00]. Commissioned by ML to create posters showing Victorian London buildings. Describes in detail how he constructed these posters using a “toy theatre stage” framework and explains the colouring techniques [00.35.28]. Recalls the positive effect of designing Royal Mail stamps had on his future work for clients like the National Trust [00.37.34]. DG explains that his designs for the new station at Heathrow Airport were based on bird feathers. Notes that LT did not like his work and the Heathrow commission was given to Tom Eckersley [00.42.00]. DG reflects that he had no specific objectives for his artistic career but took work which enabled him to concentrate on his preferred media water colours and wood engraving. [00.44.00]. Remembers the background his commission from LT for a mural at Charing Cross Underground station [00.45.55]. Recalls the support from Kenneth Robinson LT chairman. DG explains that the LT design brief given to him by ML was to produce a picture which would reflect the spirit of the Charing Cross area, fit into the station layout and incorporate standard LT standard features e.g. the LT roundel [00.48.30]. Describes his design is based on the story and construction of the Eleanor Crosses and was split in to six panels along the length of the platform [00.51.00]. Outlines the development of the mural from design to installation of the Melamine panels on the platform. Recalls the testing of a mock up at the disused Aldwych Underground station [00.54.38]. Reflects on the positive public reaction to the design and that his worries about graffiti were unfounded [00.56.04]. Expresses initial delight in seeing his posters displayed. Notes that posters are a good medium and recalls the influence of Frank Pick on LT design. Remembers making posters for the National Trust and some adverts for a commercial insecticide spray [00.59.40]. Gives the background to his work on the ‘Stop the War Coalition’ posters [01.01.40]. Discusses his pleasure in drawing and painting a wide range of a buildings, countryside and people [01.04.23]. Explains that he doesn’t have any favourite commissions but is very proud of the Charing Cross station mural. Notes his preference for watercolours and he was not keen on computer aid design (CAD) [01.06.40]. Recalls that he has always lived in London and likes the vitality of the Camden area. Reflects on jobs that have taken him to many different places including India. Mentions his book about Britain. End of track [01.09.58]

• People involved

  Role	Person(s) involved
  Interviewer	Jane Findlay, 28/04/2008
  Interviewee	David Gentleman

• Associated companies, people and places

  Company

  Attribute	Value
  Company	London Transport,

  Places

  Place	Charing Cross, Heathrow,
  Interview location	Camden

  People

  Attribute	Value
  People	Tom Gentleman -