In 1963, at around the same time that the first D&AD annual (more a catalogue really) was being put to bed...
The first D&AD Annual designed by Fletcher/Forbes/Gill
a more glamorous, albeit black and white, hard bound book was published. It was also from the same printers, Balding + Mansell and was designed by Derek Birdsall. It was introduced by the firm’s Art Director, one John Commander, who would become D&AD’s first President. 17 Graphic Designers London was an early attempt to present the work and effectiveness of a new breed of designer. The ‘graphic designer’ - at the time the term ‘commercial artist’ was still the general currency.
Birdsall's minimal cover design
Note the binding. Nothing is new.
And very nice speckled, recycled paper in the front section.
17 Graphic Designers London featured the work of just that, 17 designers. How small our industry was back then. But, those 17 were the creative high flyers of the time – Dennis Bailey, Derek Birdsall, BDMW Associates; George Daulby, George Mayhew, Peter Wildbur, Ian Bradbery, David Collins, Bob Gill, Alan Fletcher, Colin Forbes, Sydney King, Jock Kinneir, Margaret Calvert, Romek Marber, John Sewell, Barry Trengrove, Tom Wolsey.
Here is a sampling of spreads for your enjoyment. All of the work is pre 1963...
I have interrupted the flow here to show this identity, which I have always loved…
And here is the shop front…
It looks rather fantastic doesn’t it? A perfect and timeless piece. It was designed by Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert. Now take a closer look at it in context…
Just look at the people, think how revolutionary this identity must have been for passers by at that time in Britain. They appear so impoverished in that still drab post war period. However in Germany at the time this design was the norm and had been since the mid 1950’s courtesy of Josef Müller-Brockmann.
Anyway here are some more spreads...
It is remarkable how much of the work featured in this slim publication still stands up even in black and white.