Graphis – Mid-Century Covers.

Graphis Annual 56/57 cover
by Hans Erni

Graphis 19 (1947) cover
by Pablo Picasso

Graphis Annual 59/60 cover
by George Giusti

A while back, at a most magnificent estate sale for the home of two advertising execs, l came across my first Graphis Annual. $4, 1955/56. That was my gateway drug, I figure. Since then, I’ve been able to find over a decade’s worth from the 50’s and 60’s. End result, loads of scans of the unsung heroes and heroines of mid century graphic design. I’m thrilled to be able to share what I find.

Graphis, The International Journal of Visual Communication, was first published in 1944 by Dr. Walter Amstutz and Walter Herdeg in Zurich, Switzerland. Graphis presented the work of fine artists and illustrators, as well as highlighting the formative years of graphic design as we know it today. Advertising and photography were also featured, and Walter selectively chose what he felt to be the best talent of the time. Walter was invited into the Alliance Graphique International in 1952 and, that same year, introduced the Graphis Annual. In 1964, following a split from Dr. Walter Amstutz, Walter Herdeg officially became the sole publisher of Graphis. In 1966, he introduced the Graphis Photo Annual, followed in 1973 by the Graphis Poster Annual. During Walter’s reign, Graphis became one of the classiest publications available, due to his impeccable care and good taste. –Graphis.com

>> MCM Illustrations flickr set
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Sandi Vincent grew up in the bay area of California surrounded by mid-century modern architecture and other influences for which she can attribute her affinity for the period and its pop style, including her early exposure to The Monkees, The Avengers and Gerald McBoing-Boing. Sandi now resides in Portland and is a board member of a local nonprofit preservation group, the Mid-Century Modern League. In her day job at a community foundation, she sports the web/social media/print materials coordinator title.

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