Poster

19th century London was the largest and wealthiest city in the world. Londoners had more money than ever before to spend on themselves, and manufacturers and retailers displayed a new commercial awareness and confidence as they competed to attract customers. Technical developments in the printing industry brought new typefaces and design techniques which advertisers seized upon to create bold and eye-catching advertisements. They were often illustrated with wood-block engravings.

The superlative qualities of products were described in detail and were often endorsed by satisfied customers, or associated with celebrated figures in the public eye.

This advertisement for Wright's Wine and Spirit Establishment uses the image of Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847) to appeal to the large local Irish community in Southwark. O'Connell, 'The Champion of Ireland!', was an Irish politician and lawyer who campaigned for Catholic Emancipation (equal rights for Catholics to take part in public life and own land) in the 1820s. Kent Street was later renamed Old Kent Road.