W H Mayall Archive

  • Reference
    • GB 1837 DES/WHM
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1923-1998
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 0.5 linear metres / 2 standard boxes

Scope and Content

This small archive primarily comprises writings by Mayall, largely from and relating to his time at the Design Council.

Administrative / Biographical History

W H Mayall (1923-1998) began his career as a draughtsman in the aviation industry, and from 1952 was responsible for mechanical equipment, design and publicity at Tiltman Langley Ltd. In 1959 he moved to the Council of Industrial Design, later becoming Senior Projects Officer at the renamed Design Council. He lectured, wrote articles and books, liaised with industry and mounted conferences and exhibitions. Having made the move from the practice of engineering and design to the 'design establishment', he was struck by the contrast between the two, and found the latter elitist and divisive. After taking early retirement from the Design Council in 1979, he undertook independent design education and exhibition work under the business name 'Design Promotion Projects'. He also wrote further manuscripts which document his frustrations about certain aspects of the Design Council's approach to its task, as well as his own alternative vision for it.

Access Information

Researchers wishing to consult the collection should make an appointment. Telephone 44 (0)1273 643217 or email designarchives@brighton.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Transferred to the Design Archives by the Mayall family in 2001.

Archivist's Note

Collection level record compiled by Catherine Moriarty, November 2007, and edited by Sue Breakell, January 2010.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission must be sought to publish any material from the collection. Email designarchives@brighton.ac.uk

Related Material

Archive of the Design Council, University of Brighton Design Archives.

Bibliography

Publications by W H Mayall:

'Industrial Design for Engineers' London: Iliffe Books 1967

'Machines and Perception in Industrial Design' London: Studio Vista, 1968

'More Value by Design' London: Council for Industrial Design, 1971

'Principles in Design' London: Design Council, 1979

'The Challenge of the Chip' London: HMSO/Science Museum, 1980

'Design Matters', London: Design Council, 1985. Published to accompany a series of television programmes of the same title.

Personal Names

Mayall W H 1923-1998