Slightly darker and somewhat more square-shaped?
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In the ever-evolving world of technology, two intriguing stories have emerged recently. On one hand, we delve into the history and evolution of telephones, while on the other, we explore the latest developments in the creative economy.
The Creative Industries Sector Plan has made several key sector-wide announcements, signalling a renewed focus on the creative sector. One of the notable announcements involves Dr Josh Siepel, who is discussing the co-location of the Creative Industries with Other Industrial Strategy Priority Sectors. This strategic move aims to foster innovation and growth across various sectors.
Meanwhile, the Science Museum Group Collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and future of telephony. The collection houses hundreds of phones, dating from the late 1800s to the present day. The dominance of the grey color tone in telephone manufacturing began mainly in the mid-20th century, coinciding with industrial production trends favouring neutral, functional colors for durability and mass appeal. Interestingly, some of the earliest telephones had a greyscale palette similar to modern smartphones, while the 1960s brought a much broader range of colors to these devices. The 'greying' of telephones began in the late 1980s with the introduction of the brick phone, marking a shift towards more functional design.
However, the trend of using very saturated colors re-emerged in the 1960s, adding a touch of vibrancy to everyday objects. This trend is evident in the Science Museum Group Collection, where almost all recent objects are found in the north-western area of the map and are cuboids or box-shaped, with a few interesting exceptions. Two such exceptions were found: table telephones with complex shapes and modern translucent objects with a variety of shapes.
The examination of everyday objects within the collection also revealed that they have become a little squarer over time. This observation aligns with the increasing prevalence of grey color in everyday objects, as the use of grey has significantly increased over time, while the use of brown and yellow has decreased.
In the realm of the creative economy, Marta Foresti has become the Chair of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC). The GCEC is focusing on conversations between the Global North and South to unsettle and reorder the creative economy. Professor Dave O'Brien, a Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Manchester, and Professor Nick Wilson, who has written about the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries, are also contributing to these discussions.
The 2025 Spending Review has implications for the creative industries, as discussed by Creative PEC Bernard Hay and Emily Hopkins. Journalism occupations are included on the DCMS's list of Creative Occupations, further emphasising the importance of the creative sector in the UK's economy.
This article was written by Dr Cath Sleeman, Quantitative Research Fellow, Creative Economy & Data Analytics at Nesta. As we continue to explore the fascinating world of technology and the creative economy, stay tuned for more insights and updates.
