Hue and Cry (1947), poster, British

Artist: Edward Bawden (1903-1989)

Unframed: 30 x 40 in. (76 x 102 cm)

Most film posters were designed in-house by studio artists and designers. However, throughout the 40s and 50s Ealing Studios broke the mould by adopting an ambitious and inventive approach to poster design. Headed by S. John Woods, a formidable graphic designer in his own right, the Ealing advertising department invited contemporary artists and designers to create posters for their films. The commissioned artists ranged from well established painters, such as John Piper, prominent young designers such as Lesley George Hurry, and—in the case of this film—Edward Bawden, a well known artist and illustrator.

Ealing Studios in West London (founded in 1902) has the distinction of being the longest continuously operating film studios in the world. It was the period between the 30s and early 50s that saw the studios' greatest successes, and the development of a signature, quintessentially British style. The Ealing comedies are what the studio is best known for today. Hue and Cry is considered to be the first of these comedies.