Blair Spray-Fix Packaging circa 1949

Here’s a funky packaging for Blair Art Products from Memphis Tennessee. It’s a low odor spray fixative with a very lighthearted and fun feel. I wish their products looked less serious as they look today, specially for products with artist as their main target audience. Anyway, really love the funky illustrations on the front and back, although the front guy looks like he’s enjoying the smell of it quite too much. Beautiful script type on the front as well. I’m going to take a wild guess and date this to the late 40’s based on this little history page which states spray fixatives were introduced in 1949. Enjoy!

Design: Unknown  |  Year: 1949  |  Photo: Javier Garcia

Columbia Masterworks Book cover by Alex Steinweiss

Here is a book cover designed by Alex Steinweiss titled “The Columbia Book of Musical Masterworks” in 1947. I normally think record covers when I think of Steinweiss so when I saw this book, I snagged it right away. As usual there is a nice play with type, image and texture. Enjoy!

Design: Alex Steinweiss   |   Year: 1947   |   Photo: Javier Garcia

Schönberg record cover by Alvin Lustig

This is a very rare record cover designed by Alvin Lustig that I haven’t seen around that much. It’s not in the book, nor the site at this time. I really love his geometric line explorations and this one is certainly one of my favorites of his. It is an honor for me to share it with all of you.

I am very excited to finally post this cover and I am happy to say that, as I am typing this, this particular record among a few others is being shipped to Minneapolis for the exhibit titled “The Lustigs: A Cover Story” curated by Michael Skjei at the College of Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibition will be up from September 19 through October 21, 2012 with Steven Heller (Author of Born Modern: The Life and Design of Alvin Lustig) as a guest Lecturer and a conversation with the wonderful Elaine Lustig Cohen. For more details visit the CVA Gallery page »

So if you are in the area make sure you don’t miss this event as – from what I’ve heard from Michael –  it will probably be one of the most complete exhibits of the work of the Lustigs you’ll ever see. Enjoy!

Design: Alvin Lustig   |   Year: 1953  |  Photo: Javier Garcia

Corky packaging circa 1960’s

Here’s a fun and minimal two color packaging for a Swiss Corkscrew that is technically a Cork Remover since it works with air pressure. The logo and the typography are very fun and modern as well. I will assume the design of the packaging is Swiss as well since the product is made in Switzerland. I will date the design to 1960’s for the look of it. One funny thing is that in the little booklet there’s a line that reads “works with air and air does not cost a thing”.  Enjoy!

Design: Unknown   |   Year: 1960’s?   |   Photo: Javier García

Inked Ribbon Packaging

Here’s a fun packaging for typewriter’s Distinctive Quality Inked Ribbons. I love the type and layout. Very modern. No traces of the designer or it’s year but based on the fact that this ribbon is for a Smith-Corona typewriter that fits 60’s models, I’d date this thing to 1960. Enjoy!

Design: Unknown | Year: 1960? | Photo: Javier García