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I first discovered Heather David through her site SV Modern, devoted to Silicon Valley’s mid-century past. I was immediately struck by her incredible attention to detail and ability to see the hidden treasures, both large and small, existing right under our noses. I grew up in the South Bay and it was a revelatory treat to see so many familiar landmarks pictured in their glory days. Happily, Heather has also written a book, Mid-Century by the Bay, “a celebration of some of the places that made the San Francisco Bay Area a special region in which to live, work, and play in the years following World War II.” In her own words, here’s why:
What prompted you to do Mid-Century by the Bay?
I have loved mid-century architecture and design for as long as I can remember. After sadly watching many of my favorite buildings, signs, etc. disappear from the visual landscape, I started to panic that no one was documenting this particular period in our local history.
How long did it take to put the book together?
The book had been on my mind for at least 10 years. I guess that I kept waiting for someone else to do it. When I finally decided that that someone, for good or for bad, was going to be me — the book project spanned approximately two years, from start to finish. I had to select the subjects I wanted to feature, and in most cases, track down the pictures I wanted to use. For each particular subject, I wanted to provide at least some background history. The research was perhaps the most time consuming aspect of this book’s production.
On the incorporation of vintage ephemera
I feel that you can experience a particular time period in a number of ways. Any creative output is a reflection of the time in which it was created… whether it be architecture, fashion, art, or design. I am an avid collector of vintage ephemera. My ever-growing collection consists of matchbook covers, brochures, menus, magazines, maps… all little pieces of history. In addition to color, I wanted people to be able to experience the 1950s and 1960s through graphic design.
**Heather is also on Flickr, where she generously shares her extensive collection of printed mid-century ephemera and photos of unique architectural finds.
See more >> “Mid-Century by the Bay” website + 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 responsible for 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. In her day job at a community foundation, she sports the web/social media/print materials coordinator title.
Follow Sandi on Twitter > @SandiV
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