A simple blue ceramic square. That’s all it seems at first glance. But look closer. This unassuming Abram Games Plaque holds a world of stories. It marks the London home and studio of one of Britain’s most important graphic designers. For over 50 years this building housed Abram Games.
Abram Games was not just any designer. He was a master of his craft a true visionary. Born Abraham Gamse in 1914 he changed his name. He rejected the ‘ham’ as not kosher. He was a self-taught artist. He left St Martin’s School of Art after just two terms. He felt the teaching wasn’t satisfactory. He went on to design some of Britain’s most iconic images.
His wartime posters are legendary. He created over a hundred. Many are celebrated some controversial. His ‘Your Britain fight for it now’ series was deemed too political. His ATS recruitment poster was considered ‘too glamorous’. It was withdrawn after questions in Parliament. He incorporated his Jewish heritage. He used humor to engage his audience. His designs often featured a human hand. This symbolized caution care or both. His work often involved juxtaposing unlikely elements. He might feature Britannia as a street sweeper.
His style was unique. He aimed for ‘maximum meaning minimum means’. He believed in artist’s rights. He was a craftsman designer. He worked alone except for large murals. He used an airbrush. He rendered up to 30 sketches before finalizing a design. He valued his principles. His honesty. He always put integrity first. He designed stamps logos and symbols. He created the first insignia for BBC television. He designed the Queen’s Award to Industry logo.
After the war his designs embodied Britain’s optimistic spirit. His work was in high demand. He designed for government agencies and industries. He continued to support Jewish and Israeli organizations. He created arresting posters. They drew attention to the needs of displaced persons. He designed stamps for Israel. His work is in the collections of the V&A and the Imperial War Museum. His last creation was for a Jewish primary school. He sadly died in 1996. This small blue plaque is a testament to his extraordinary life and work. It is a reminder of a design legend. A Londoner. A man who left an enduring mark on graphic design and British culture. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable talent. This is more than just a plaque. It’s a window into a life fully lived. A legacy of creativity. And a story waiting to be discovered.