This book charts contemporary illustration’s rich history: the rampant idealism of the 1960s, the bleak realism of the 1970s, the over-blown consumerism of the 1980s, the digital explosion of the 1990s, followed by the increasing diversification of illustration in the early twenty-first century. The book explores the contexts in which the discipline has operated and looks historically, sociologically, politically and culturally at the key factors at play across each decade, whilst artworks by key illustrators bring the decade to life. Contemporary illustration’s impact and influence on design and popular culture are investigated through introductory essays and profiles of leading practitioners, illustrated with examples of their finest work.

Lawrence Zeegen is an illustrator, educator and writer. He has worked as an illustrator since graduating from The Royal College of Art in 1989. He is Dean of the School of Design at the London College of Communication, and he lectures and speaks at conferences around the world. Caroline Roberts is a journalist who writes mainly about the graphic arts. She was the founder of Grafik magazine.