Mr Therm Burns to Serve You - The Gas Council (c.1950s)

Matchbook1950sHouse and HomeInnovation and Technology
Written By Zara Picken

Year: c.1950s

Format: Matchbook

Illustrator: Uncredited - original design by Eric Fraser (1902-1983)

Client: The Gas Council

Details: I have an interest in early British advertising mascots such as Mr Therm, who features on this c.1950s matchbook. Eric Fraser (1902-1983) originally designed the character in the early 1930s for the Gas Light & Coke Company. It was subsequently used by The Gas Council, a forerunner of British Gas.

Mr Therm featured in British gas industry adverts for over 30 years. It's unclear whether Fraser was responsible for this matchbook design but he was certainly still signing advertising artwork featuring the character in the 1950s.

Fraser was a British illustrator and artist perhaps best known for his contributions to the Radio Times. As well as illustrating magazines, Fraser also produced illustrations for books and advertising.

Zara Picken
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