Blue Circle Cement - brochure issued by The Blue Circle Group, 1971 - designer Don Kidman
"Everything featured in this picture is bound together by one common factor - Portland Cement" - what? Even that tree?
A rather fine period piece this, 1971 being almost the high water mark of the 'brutalist' architectural use of concrete that would have meant excellent business for Blue Circle, one of the most recognisable trade names in the cement business. It was, as the brochure states, owned by the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd (Blue Circle being somewhat catchier than this title) and the selling organisation, The Cement Marketing Co Ltd. The company had its origins in an attempt in 1900 to bring together all UK manufacturers of cement that ended up 'only' bringing together around 70% of production; by 1911 another attempt brought in more and they were certainly for decades the major producer of cement and Portland cement. In 1920 the 'selling organisation', that included the famous and still independent name of Earle's, was formed and in 1978 they formally became 'Blue Circle'. The tradename is still with us but now owned by the French company Lafarge.
It isn't common to see a designer credited but here Don Kidman is. He appears to have been an illustrator as well as some BBC Publications contain drawings by him. This cover is a very fine bold image of the new world of planning and architecture and yes, I have known of concrete boats! It was printed by the well known Westerham Press who also undertook much work for London Transport in the day.
Blue Circle Cement - brochure issued by The Blue Circle Group, 1971 - designer Don Kidman
"Everything featured in this picture is bound together by one common factor - Portland Cement" - what? Even that tree?
A rather fine period piece this, 1971 being almost the high water mark of the 'brutalist' architectural use of concrete that would have meant excellent business for Blue Circle, one of the most recognisable trade names in the cement business. It was, as the brochure states, owned by the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd (Blue Circle being somewhat catchier than this title) and the selling organisation, The Cement Marketing Co Ltd. The company had its origins in an attempt in 1900 to bring together all UK manufacturers of cement that ended up 'only' bringing together around 70% of production; by 1911 another attempt brought in more and they were certainly for decades the major producer of cement and Portland cement. In 1920 the 'selling organisation', that included the famous and still independent name of Earle's, was formed and in 1978 they formally became 'Blue Circle'. The tradename is still with us but now owned by the French company Lafarge.
It isn't common to see a designer credited but here Don Kidman is. He appears to have been an illustrator as well as some BBC Publications contain drawings by him. This cover is a very fine bold image of the new world of planning and architecture and yes, I have known of concrete boats! It was printed by the well known Westerham Press who also undertook much work for London Transport in the day.