Originally published in 1937, this book was created to provide a survey of the conditions and artistic value of design in British industries. Through interviews with manufacturers, managers of department stores and shops, principals and teachers of art schools, commercial designers, artists, and architects, principally in the Midlands area, a composite portrait is developed. This portrait emphasises the interaction of seemingly disparate elements in the production of quality design, and shows the complexity of the process whilst remaining concise and accessible. The text is also well presented, containing a large number of illustrative examples. This is a fascinating volume that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of British design.