London is full of different types of advertising; bus adverts, Piccadilly’s electric billboard, posters pasted on shop windows. Over time the number of methods of advertising has expanded with digital media, but the communication remains the same through striking designs which tell a story, and recognisable branding.

Trade cards were popular from the end of the 17th century and were small enough to carry. They advertised businesses and sometimes had designs showing the nature of the business. Later, larger flyers and leaflets were given to passers-by or placed in tourist attractions to pick up. Placards were carried showing details of services or businesses, and posters or painted signage in shop windows advertised what was sold inside.

Pubs have sign boards outside showing the name of the pub and a picture depicting the name. Naming pubs became common practice by the 12th century, and a visual reference to the name helped the majority of the population who could not read or write at this time.

Transport gives opportunities for advertising on the move, with adverts placed on trams and buses, and on underground and train platforms. These eye-catching designs and well-known brands were seen by people throughout their day, with repetition helping familiarity and increasing the likelihood of a purchase. The LCC Tramways posters are both informative and attractive, with their information on travel routes and colourful and striking designs of places to visit.

Many brands have been around for a long time and are recognisable from years before – both by name, and the colour, type font, and design used in the advertising which has become so familiar. Even Piccadilly’s famous billboard has become a recognisable landmark and tourist attraction in its own right.