Film

DCA/21 now comprises just two files, both of which document aspects of the production process of the film "Deadly Lampshade". This film was intended to reveal through a case study in lighting design how important (i) the customer, (ii) the retailer, (iii) the designer, and (iv) the manufacturer each were to the commissioning process that would ensure better designed British products. Later parts of file DCA/21/750 have not survived.

The first few years of the Council"s existence were marked by a progressive approach to its educational remit, including the commissioning of three films. Prior to its decision to abandon the film "Deadly Lampshade" at the production stage, the Council had been responsible for "Designing Women" (1947), and through its Scottish Committee "A Question of Taste" (1948). This engagement with film was relatively short-lived.

The surviving files have been retained in their original numeric order as allocated by the Council's Registry. This means that records in a series do not necessarily have consecutive file numbers, and may not be located together.

Record created by Lesley Whitworth, with minor amendments by Sue Breakell, 10 August 2010.

Jonathan M. Woodham, "Managing British Design Reform II: The Film 'Deadly Lampshade'—An III-Fated Episode In The Politics Of Good Taste"", Journal of Design History, 9:2 (1996), 101-115.