Injurious Vistas: The Control of Outdoor Advertising, Governance and the Shaping of Urban Experience in Britain, 1817-1962

This book explores the history of outdoor advertising control in Britain between the early-nineteenth century and the 1960s, examining how it evolved from a material nuisance to a threat to architecture, rural beauty, and moral self-governance. It also discusses how the modern state saw and regulated the lived spaces of Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating history of outdoor advertising control in Britain, spanning from the early-nineteenth century to the dawn of the 1960s. It explores the evolution of primarily legislative and governmental approaches to regulating commercial signage, billboards, posters, and hoardings in both rural and urban contexts. By examining the dramatic curtailment of outdoor advertising, this study sheds light on the profound development of understanding and governance of lived spaces over a remarkable century and a half.

In the early-nineteenth century, outdoor advertising was merely a nuisance to the regimes of improvement, seen as an obstacle to architectural progress and the preservation of rural beauty. However, as the century progressed, it began to be perceived as a threat to the very fabric of society, undermining moral codes and self-governance. By the turn of the century, outdoor advertising had become a hotly debated topic, with concerns raised about its impact on visual amenity and the civilizing influence of modern planning.

In the twentieth century, outdoor advertising reached new heights of proliferation, causing disruptions to the visual landscape and challenging the established norms of urban planning. It became a symbol of the changing times, reflecting the growing influence of consumerism and the media on public spaces. However, this proliferation also sparked a backlash from those who valued the aesthetic and cultural heritage of Britain.

This book goes beyond a mere recounting of historical events. It offers a deep analysis of the societal, cultural, and political factors that shaped the regulation of outdoor advertising in Britain. It explores the interplay between government agencies, industry representatives, and local communities, highlighting the challenges and compromises that were made in the pursuit of a balanced visual environment.

Through its detailed examination of the evolution of outdoor advertising control, this book provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between the state, society, and the visual environment. It sheds light on the ways in which government policies and regulations have influenced the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings, shaping the modern urban landscape.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and culture of outdoor advertising. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on a significant chapter in the development of modern Britain, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between the state, society, and the visual environment.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030790172
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021