While various early examples of commercial pamphlets have been found in Ancient cultures around the world, the first recognized “birth” of modern advertising can be traced back to 18th century England. Early advertising campaigns for Pears Soap, which featured playful illustrations alongside written slogans, were created by Thomas J. Barratt, and circulated in newspapers. The industry boom of the early 20th century coincided with the rise of psychology, which lead to the intentional use of “subliminal” techniques to persuade buyers one way over another. Bright, colorful advertisements pervaded magazines and newspapers in the 1950s, inspiring Pop artists such as Richard …
While various early examples of commercial pamphlets have been found in Ancient cultures around the world, the first recognized “birth” of modern advertising can be traced back to 18th century England. Early advertising campaigns for Pears Soap, which featured playful illustrations alongside written slogans, were created by Thomas J. Barratt, and circulated in newspapers. The industry boom of the early 20th century coincided with the rise of psychology, which lead to the intentional use of “subliminal” techniques to persuade buyers one way over another. Bright, colorful advertisements pervaded magazines and newspapers in the 1950s, inspiring Pop artists such as Richard Hamilton, Eduardo Paolozzi and eventually, Andy Warhol. Contemporary artists continue to incorporate symbols and motifs from branding and advertisement into their work, particularly as a means of critique.
