Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a poster by The Drawing Room. It dates from 1980 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1980 poster, created by The Drawing Room, promotes the Alan Ayckbourn comedy *Taking Steps* at London’s Lyric Theatre. The design features a surreal, stylized depiction of three characters on geometric, pastel-colored stairs against a black background, with bold orange title typography.
Subject & Meaning
The poster illustrates a pivotal scene from *Taking Steps*, showing two characters assisting a third, dressed in a long dress and head covering, on a set of non-realistic, flat, geometric stairs. This stylization reflects the play’s theatrical and possibly dreamlike elements.
Technique & Style
The poster combines pictorial and typographic elements. The stairs are rendered in pastel pink, blue, and white blocks, evoking a child’s building set. The bold, orange title *Taking Steps* contrasts with the plain black background, while the characters’ attire (light blue and long dress) adds a touch of realism amidst the surreal setting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1980 for the production of *Taking Steps* at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, directed by Michael Rudman and designed by Alan Tagg. The poster specifically advertises the September 2, 1980 performance featuring actors Dinsdale Landen and Nicola Pagett.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made bold, graphic posters full of crisp lines and flat color. In 1983 they designed the Theatre Royal Bath poster, a crisp black-and-white announcement for a play season. Their untitled works from 1980,…
