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‘Imperial Chemical Industries made advertising history during the Second World War on behalf of both ICI and British Art. Fifty-six portraits of ICI employees were commissioned from leading British artists, to use in a nationwide advertising campaign between 1944–1946. The intent of these so-called Prestige Advertisements was to keep ICI’s profile high during the war years, while providing badly needed employment for British artists. But the underlying key objective was propaganda. Typical men and women from the factories and research laboratories around the country were selected to illustrate ICI’s great diversity of products. The majority depicted represented those doing the essential labour – the unsung heroes of the war effort.
In 1949 all the subjects were presented with their portrait. Mostly remaining in private ownership, the series is almost impossible to trace today, but a concerted effort has resulted in seven being located to date. Of the seven, this portrait of Tyler is one of only two in a public collection.
Ernest Jackson, ARA, was one of the 19 artists selected, recommended by Sir Kenneth Clark. This portrait of William Tyler was one of four portraits he contributed to the series.’ – Margaret Bear (2016)
William Tyler was acting Safety Officer during the war in the I. C. I. works at Runcorn in Cheshire. He has had a varied career. At 14 he went to work in a bakery, and later in a brickworks. On his 16th birthday, in November 1914, he enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment and was subsequently transferred to the Machine-Gun Corps. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1917.
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Widnes
Title
William Tyler
Date
1944
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 62 x W 50 cm
Accession number
WICIM 2014.23
Acquisition method
gift, 2014
Work type
Painting
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0DF England
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