Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a poster by Oval Print Shop. It dates from 1981 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1981 poster was produced by the Oval Print Shop to advertise the comedy show *The Wee Wees* at London’s Oval House Theatre. The design combines large white block lettering with hand‑written red details on a dark blue‑gray field, creating a clear visual hierarchy that draws the eye to the title and performance dates.
Subject & Meaning
The poster’s primary function is informational, announcing the three‑day run of the comedy production from 16 to 18 January, with the start time noted as 9:30 pm. The inclusion of the phrase “UPSTAIRS STUDIO” identifies the specific rehearsal or performance space within the theatre.
Technique & Style
Printed in a limited‑run format, the piece employs a stark contrast of white sans‑serif type against a deep background, while the red handwritten script adds a personal, informal touch. The minimal colour palette—white, red, and dark blue‑gray—focuses attention on the essential details without decorative excess.
History & Provenance
Created for the original staging of *The Wee Wees* on 16 January 1981, the poster was produced in the theatre’s Upstairs Studio. It later entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is preserved as part of the institution’s extensive archive of graphic design and theatrical ephemera.
Artist & collection
Artist
This anonymous shop made bold, simple posters in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their 1977 "Oval House poster" features a clean, centered oval shape that pops against a flat color field, while their 1981 untitled print…
