Modern Days – Modern Ways

Shell poster number 193, Bathing by Tom Purvis (1928). Stylised painting of a modern day bather (1920s), with another in the background dressed more modestly. Caption reads; Modern days - modern ways, Shell Lubricating Oil for modern motors."

Key facts

  • Catalogue Number

    193

  • Title

    Modern Days – Modern Ways

  • Date

    1928

  • Artist

    Tom Purvis

Tom Purvis (1888–1959) was born in Bristol and designed posters for companies such as Dewar’s Whisky, Bovril, Austin Reed and the London and North Eastern Railway. Purvis designed 14 posters for Shell between 1925 and 1932. His style is usually characterised by the broad massing of strong colours and the elimination of detail.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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