Hans Unger, graphic designer and mosaic artist : papers

Posters (ca. 1953 - 1977); glass negatives and photographs of graphic designs, mosaics and stained glass (1953 - 1977); graphic designs (1953 - 1977); press cuttings and articles concerning Hans Unger's work (1953 - 1977); publicity material (1960 - 1977); paintings (1939 - ca. 1961); scrapbook (1965 - 1970); correspondence and publicity material for the Hans Unger Commemorative Exhibition, Reed House, Piccadilly, London, May 1977 (1975 - 1977); cards and packaging designs (undated); dust jackets (undated); prints (ca. 1960s); personal belongings (1955).

Hans Unger (1915 - 1975) was born in Prenzlau, Germany. He went to school in Berlin until 1933. In the mid-1930s he studied graphic art with the poster designer Jupp Wiertz in Berlin. In 1936 he emigrated to South Africa. When the Second World War broke out he enlisted in the South African army. He was captured in North Africa by the Italian army but managed to escape from a prisoner-of-war camp when Italy's war effort collapsed. He moved to London in 1948, working as a poster designer and graphic artist for a number of companies and organisations including London Transport and the Post Office. The Unger Mosaic Workshop was set up by Hans Unger with Eberhard Schulze ca. 1958 to design and produce mosaics and stained glass windows. His major works included the design of stained glass windows for St Columba's Church in Chester, Astley Church in Manchester and the Pallottine Convent Chapel in Rochdale. He designed mural mosaics for Lewisham Town Hall, London; the Royal Free Hospital, London; Brasenose College, Oxford; and St Jude's Church, Wigan.

This archive collection is available for consultation in the V&A Study Rooms by appointment only. Full details of access arrangements may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

Access to some of the material may be restricted. These are noted in the catalogue where relevant.

Given by Peter Comberti, Trustees of the Hans Unger archive, 1979, AAD/1978/1.

Given by Sebastian Comberti, 2007, AAD/2007/12.

Information on copying and commercial reproduction may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

AAD/1994/4 - Council for the Care of Churches, Church of England General Synod advisory body: records, 1915 - 1972.

The Council for the Care of Churches acquired trade literature from associations, companies and individuals who provided products and services to churches.

The V&A Prints, Drawings and Paintings department hold several of Hans Unger's posters covering the period ca. 1952 - 1975.

The V&A National Art Library hold an information file on Hans Unger.