Ken Briggs was born in 1931 in Derbyshire, studied at Chesterfield School of Arts & Crafts and later at the Central School of Arts & Crafts in London, alongside notable designers like Ken Garland and Colin Forbes. After National Service, he worked briefly as a typographer at Everetts. In the late 1950s, Ken freelanced for clients like the Arts Council and Rathbone Books while teaching part-time. In the 1960s, he won the design contract for The National Theatre, where his use of photography and Letraset set the visual tone for its future designs.
Much Ado About Nothing, The National Theatre, London, 1960s. Designed by Ken Briggs and Susan Channells
Ken Briggs was born in 1931 in Derbyshire, studied at Chesterfield School of Arts & Crafts and later at the Central School of Arts & Crafts in London, alongside notable designers like Ken Garland and Colin Forbes. After National Service, he worked briefly as a typographer at Everetts. In the late 1950s, Ken freelanced for clients like the Arts Council and Rathbone Books while teaching part-time. In the 1960s, he won the design contract for The National Theatre, where his use of photography and Letraset set the visual tone for its future designs.
This 1,500 word essay focused on the work of Jan Bons. One of the most prominent figures in Dutch design history. For over three-quarters of a century, he crafted a mass of work with many long-time collaborators.
Omnibus was Published by the journalism working group of the Technical University of Braunschweig. A square publication measuring 290mm. The publication included features on politics, arts and culture. With advertisements carefully selected to be in keeping with the visual aesthetic. Content also included exhibition information and a fine example of concrete poetry, among artists such as Schröder-Sonnenstern and Sine Hansen.
"Heart: Anatomy, Function, and Diseases" (Dell, 1962), by Rudolf Hoffmann and illustrated by George Giusti, demonstrates how illustrations effectively convey complex and emotional topics whilst providing valuable information.
From time to time members of the Graphic Design History group and others have asked for a number of recommendations for books related to design history, theory and specific areas of graphic design. This is the first of a series of articles from educators, designers and archivists featuring book recommendations and resources.
