MAURICE BECK (1886-1960) STATE DEMANDS / TAXATION. 1931. 40x25 inches, 101 1/2x63 1/2 cm. John Swain & Son Ltd., London. Condition B+: restored losses in corners; repaired tears, creases, restoration and pin holes in margins; minor creases and abrasions in image. An extraordinary montage of photographed letters and numbers created by designer and photographer Maurice Beck. In the 1920s he was the head photographer for British Vogue, and he is credited with designing 18 posters for the London Underground, all photomontages. This is one in a series of four posters based on the unusual premise of informing the public how much "the Underground group (U.E.R.L.) pays in petrol tax. The information highlights the success of the company, still profitable in spite of so many taxes, and the fact that U.E.R.L. contributes significantly to the Treasury and therefore to the London's economy" (http://www.20thcenturylondon.org.uk).
