National Archives: Registered Designs – 1839-1991

In 1839, the Board of Trade established a system for companies and individuals to register and protect the copyright of their designs. The resulting collection is a unique record of global design, trade and commerce spanning 152 years comprised of nearly three million registered designs used for furniture, wallpaper, textiles and other decorative arts and manufactured objects.

Among the records you will find designs for William Morris wallpapers, Liberty textiles, Wedgwood porcelain and Lego, along with many more designs and designers that are waiting to be discovered by researchers.

Join Visual Collections Specialist, Olivia Gecseg to explore this remarkable collection of design treasures.