Media and Talks

David Bownes

Author, historian, public speaker, broadcaster and founder of Twentieth Century Posters.

International expert on poster design, advertising history, railway history and London's urban development
Author of Underground. How the Tube shaped London, and other books/exhibitions about London and its transport and design stories
Former museum Director of Collections and founder of Twentieth Century Posters

Why book me as a speaker?

I'm an engaging public speaker with 30 years of working in the heritage, academic and art market sectors. From talks at the V&A and university lecturing, to hidden history tours and railway enthusiast events, I can adapt my style for different audiences and deliver talks with credibility and humour. Enquire here

Why book me for a media appearance?

I'm a confident and experienced media professional, regularly booked for television and radio appearances. I'm adept at telling people's stories by weaving in behind-the-scenes details to bring history to life.

Subject areas

Twentieth century commercial art & design (especially poster art)
London’s transport heritage (especially the design and history of the Underground)
London’s suburban development (Metroland, "the commuter" and place building)
Stories from a career in museums, castles and art dealing
British military history (especially propaganda)

Talks and lectures

UK museums, including London Transport Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Army Museum, Caernarfon Castle, Jewish Museum
Societies and clubs, including Art Workers Guild, Double Crown Club, family and local history groups.
University courses, including, Westminster University, UCL Qatar, War Studies KCL, Bangor University, Chelsea College of Art & Design

Selected Television & Radio

BBC Antiques Roadshow, Blue Peter, BBC & ITV news, One Show
The Architecture the Railways Built (2019)
The Secrets of the London Underground (2021, 2022)
Ian Hislop's Trains That Changed The World (2021 October Films)
Radio: Robert Elms Show (BBC London, several appearances), Radio 4, Women’s Hour

Selected publications

	Hidden London. Discovering the Forgotten Underground, Co-Author with Chris Nix and Siddy Holloway, Yale (2019)
	Poster Girls, London Transport Museum (2017)
	Posters of the First World War, Co-author with Rob Fleming, Shire (2014)
	Underground. How the Tube shaped London, Allen Lane (2012). Co-author with Oliver Green and Sam Mullins
	London Transport Posters. A Century of Art and Design, Lund Humphries (2008). Co-author and editor with Oliver Green
	The Metropolitan Railway, Tempus (2004)