Nicki Balfour Penny gave a truly fascinating talk to around 30 members of The Lymington Society on the Shell Heritage Art collection .

In her presentation Nicki explained that the collection is still owned by Shell but kept on view at the Museum where she is the archivist . Nicki gave a chronological walk through the collection starting with the early postcards used for advertising and highlighting some of the social issues of the day such as Votes for Women .

Members were surprised to discover that the advertising also featured Valentines cards and even early silent films .

The posters themselves provided a unique insight into the social history of the twentieth century from the early 1900s to 1970s. Nicki emphasised the importance of Shell’s director of advertising Jack Beddington, who in the 1930s was successful in commissioning some of the country’s best artists to design poster collections such as “Visit Britain’s Landmarks”, Prefer Shell, and “ Everywhere you go “ among others This has made the collection not only a showcase for the social history of the time but has helped highlight the early works of artists such as Ben Nicholson, Paul Nash, Vanessa Bell , Rex Whistler , Graham Sutherland, Edward Kauffer and Hans Schleger.

Members were also interested to learn that Shell compiled a series of Travel Guides edited by John Betjeman which were made into short films, and broadcast in black and white on TV. There were also a series of poster on nature topics which were used in school in the sixties.

Indeed it became clear that the collection is foremost a great treasure trove of commercial art rather than just a series of adverts.

The Lymington Society has sponsored a tree in the St Thomas’ Church Christmas Tree Festival. It’s decorated with photographs of the area. Well done Heather Burrell and Pam Morrissey for doing the decorations. The tree is the one next to the pulpit.

Richard Reeves a local historian, has kindly agreed to talk to members about his research of Newtown Park

His talk will focus on the period from 1774 when Newtown rose to a pinnacle based on its association with the expanding British Empire

This will be of particular interest to those members who were given a tour of the grounds last May.

Time 6pm for 6.30 pm

£5 on the door to include drinks and nibbles

Location Fuller Room Community Centre

26th January 2017 6pm for 6.30pm

Talk on The Lymington Salt Industry
We are starting our 2017 social programme with a talk from Frank Green, The
New Forest National Parks archaeologist. Frank has kindly agreed to talk to the
society about The Salt Industry. His talk will focus on recent documentary and
archaeological research and excavations that have provided additional sources of
information that have improved our knowledge about much earlier aspects of sea salt
production
Venue McClelland Room Community Centre
£5 Admission charge to include light refreshments