Heritage Motor Centre hosts new motoring art exhibition

The Heritage Motor Centre has teamed up with The Shell Advertising Art Collection to celebrate the best of motoring poster art in ‘That’s Shell - That Was!’ This exciting new vibrant exhibition runs from 15 September until 27 January 2013 and showcases 40 selected Shell posters and original artworks.

The posters were originally displayed on the side of Shell delivery lorries which transported cans of fuel to customers across the country. These visually stunning ‘mobile art galleries’ were characteristic of Shell advertising from the 1920s until the 1950s. Not just a plea to buy Shell oil and petrol, the lorry bills promoted motoring and its many pleasures. British people, landmarks, institutions, events and curiosities inspired innovative poster designs and some of the most memorable advertising that Britain has ever produced.

A wide range of artists not often associated with commercial art were commissioned to produce poster designs in a variety of styles. Many went on to become famous names in British contemporary art, including Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, John Armstrong, Ben Nicholson and Edward Ardizzone.

Stephen Laing, Curator for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are very excited about staging this colourful new motoring art exhibition with Shell. More than just a celebration of a golden age in British motoring, these posters are now recognised as superb pieces of art in their own right!”

There is no extra charge to see the Shell motoring art exhibition as it is included in the standard Museum entry fees: Adults £11, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £9 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). For more information about the Heritage Motor Centre, visit heritage-motor-centre.co.uk.