Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.37.75
Object Name
Poster
Title
Meanwhile Gardens
Place
Paddington Printshop, London; 510 Centre
People
John Phillips (designer); Paddington Printshop; Meanwhile Gardens Community Association
Date
1975-1991
Description
Screenprinted poster, "Meanwhile Gardens" in red in a plant pot. From the plant pot grows an elaborate tree, like a monkey puzzle, printed all in red also. From the branches of the tree hang various decorations and floral designs. At the top in the centre of the tree are two symmetrical birds. Red text at the bottom reads "Join Meanwhile Gardens Community Assoication - 510 Centre, 510 Harrow Road London W9". On the bottom left, text reads "âeverywhere in London behind corrugated iron there is there derelict land. Use it for - allotments, flowers, trees, mazes, playgrounds, bicycle & skateboard tracks, fish ponds & anything else you can think of.â The background is white.
This poster was made by Paddington Printshop, a community graphic design and print workshop in West London, co-founded by John Phillips and Pippa Smith. Between 1975-1991, the centre printed over 400 designs for left-wing community organisations. These publicised local political campaigns such as housing rights and food co-ops, to social gatherings including play days, gardening clubs, gigs and festivals. Their do-it-yourself style was part of the proto-punk ethos.
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