The Ambassador has been described as 'probably the most daring and enterprising trade magazine ever conceived'. With the motto 'Export or Die!', the magazine was renowned for its innovative design and adventurous editorial approach in promoting British manufacturing in the post-war period. This book takes a detailed look at the background and impact of The Ambassador. The magazine was driven by the vision of its founder Hans Juda and his wife, Elsbeth, who was responsible for much of the magazine's striking photography. Focusing on the perceived strengths of British industry, they set up ambitious photo shoots to showcase the latest couture fashions by the likes of Charles Creed and Victor Stiebel. The magazine promoted fine art as an inspiration for design, and commissioned artists such as John Piper and Henry Moore for their covers.

This landmark book celebrates the best of British design, documenting the transformation and impact of designers' work over the years between the post-war 'Austerity Games' of 1948 and the 2012 Olympics. As well as essays by leading curators and commentators, British Design incorporates pieces by key practitioners (including Peter Saville, Barbara Hulanicki, Paul Smith and Tom Dixon) to build a comprehensive survey of over 350 of the finest examples of fashion and textiles, furniture, ceramics and glass, theatre design, graphics, photography, architecture, fine art and sculpture from this period. In addition to discussing works commissioned for official purposes, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the Festival of Britain, the book highlights the globally influential, and very British, counter-culture, from the sixties boutiques of Mary Quant and Ossie Clark through to the club cultures of Punk, the New Romantics and Rave.