Dora Batty

Dora Margaret Batty (12 January 1891 – 10 July 1966) was a British designer, working in illustration, poster design, pottery and textiles.

Early life and education

Batty was born in Colchester, Essex, the youngest of three daughters of Rev. Thomas Batty and Elizabeth Cooke Hopwood Batty. Her father, a Congregational minister, was pastor for 40 years at Stockwell Congregational Chapel in Colchester. She attended the Chelmsford School of Science and Art, where she was a prize-winning student.

Career

Batty designed posters for the Underground Group and for London Transport between 1921 and 1938, producing over 50 different designs in a variety of different styles. From 1932, she taught in the School of Textiles at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. In 1950, she was appointed the Head of School, until she retired in 1958.

In addition, she designed textiles for Helios and ceramics for the Poole Pottery and for Carter & Co, as well as advertisements for Mac Fisheries and K Shoes. She also worked as a book illustrator.

Death

Batty lived in London for many years, but died in Essex in 1966.

Selected works

London Underground Posters

• Kew Gardens, foxgloves, 1924
• From country to the heart of town, 1925
• Crocuses are out, 1927
• Come out and see it, 1927
• Daffodils are blooming, 1927
• See London's Gardens, 1927
• The Underground brings all good things nearer, 1930
• RAF Display at Colindale Station, 1932
• Trooping the Colour, 1936

Book illustrations

• W. H. Davies, A Poet's Alphabet, 1925