(4) Volumes — 27 Chicago Designers Annuals, 1963–1973 [Morton Goldsholl, John Massey]

(4) individual annuals of 27 Chicago Designers, Volume 23, 1963; Volume 26, 1967; Volume 29, 1972; and Volume 30, 1973. 18 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA. 8.5 x 10, perfect-bound, unpaginated.

“In 1936, during a period of reduced business investment and high unemployment, a unique design organization emerged in Chicago, called the 27 Chicago Designers. Composed of a group of 27 Chicago-based designers and illustrators under the leadership of illustrator John Averill, the group assembled their collective resources and talents to market their services to business organizations, largely through their annual publication, also titled 27 Chicago Designers. The publication, through the various contributors’ shifting professional titles and self-identifications, could be read as a quest for the meaning of design and for an overarching definition of the designer—critical inquires in the years of the group’s formation. The group promoted design as a good business investment to prospective clients and as an advanced form of communication with the public, embracing multiple practices.” – Lara Allison, Selling Design: 27 Chicago Designers 1936–1991, Chicago Design Archive, 2016.

In each annual, members (consisting of calligraphers, illustrators, designers, graphic artists, and typographers) contributed individual 4-page inserts showcasing recent work including: short anecdotes of their design approaches, packaging, advertisements, page layouts, logos, annual reports, supergraphics, contact info, and much more. The finished publication was then distributed to business leaders, cultural institutions, advertising agencies, and retailers across Chicago and other major American cities – an inventive way of selling design services. 

Each issue measures 8.5 × 10 with approximately 108 pages, and is richly illustrated throughout in black and white and color plates featuring various paper stocks. The inspiring work by these designers shows the creativity and versatility coming out of Chicago. Highlights include: Morton Goldsholl, John Massey, Michael Reid, Elmer Jacobs, Norman Perman, Everett McNear, Lindell Mabrey, Larry Klein, Art Paul, Michael Read, Herbert Pinzke, Bruce Beck, Willard Grayson Smythe, Larry Klein, James Higa, Ed Bedno, Charles MacMurray, and David Lawrence.

Publications are in very good or better condition with slight handling, minor toning, and a few lightly worn edges. Volume 29 has a stain on the cover. An excellent introduction to the series and to many lesser-known Chicago designers.