Daphne Padden
Portrait of Daphne Padden (above) painted by her father.
British Artist Daphne Padden was born on 21st May 1927, the daughter of Percy Padden
who was also an travel poster illustrator working in the 20′s and 30′s.
Her strongest work (in my mind) is the work she created from the late 50′s to the mid 70′s,
working for M&S, Trust House Forte,the Post Office Savings Bank, British European Airways
and most famously the British Transport Commission,
and in particular the Royal Blue Coach Services.
During the late 70′s she changed direction and became a fine artist, painting in a
completely different style altogether, sadly she passed away in September of last year.
Thanks to the fantastic Quad Royal, Alison and Amy for the great images and for helping
to keep amazing artists such as Daphne remembered in the public eye.
Wasn’t advertising fun back then…..why have we become sooooooo serious !??
I quite agree.
Thanks for the compliments – it’s great to see Daphne Padden getting just some of the attention she deserves!
No problem. I’m wondering if anyone is writing a book featuring all these amazing designers from this era. I think it would be a best seller.
Keep up the great work.
I might just do that thing. Although I think Dorrit Dekk is pretty much the only one still living, which is a shame.
I guess you’d be the perfect person to do it. Put me down for one reserve copy !
I’d love to do a book too but don’t have access to any illustrations like yourself. Did you see this article by the way.
http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showpost.php?p=2325944&postcount=129
My family are related to Percy and Daphne – my grandad was Percy’s cousin – although we never knew until recently. My daughter is studying Fine art at university and is using Percy and Daphne’s posters to study. I love them!
Hi Lesley, what a lovely story, thanks for sharing that with us. How wonderful to be inspired by things that our relatives did or created. Daphne’s work is truly inspirational.
I recently came across Daphne’s “Royal Blue” set on Pinterest and absolutely Love them! I had a feeling I’d learn more about her here. Think I love it all, great color combinations and humor throughout. Would be interested to see what she did as a fine artist. Congratulations on your 500th post!!! will check out more back editions now, see that other faves like Matte Stephens and Michael Sowa included … again great blog!
Daphne had a beautiful way of illustrating, I’ve liked everything she’s created in this style so far.
Many thanks for your support and comments. Please keep them coming, they do perk up my day too !