Author(s): Silva Horacio

Graphic Design

Graphic Identities presents the work of eight designers practicing in Australia from the 1930s to 1980s whose stories when taken together tell a compelling narrative of visual culture in this country. The names Douglas Annand, Frances Burke, Dahl Collings, Pieter Huveneers, Arthur Leydin, Alistair Morrison and Shirley de Vocht resonate within their industries, but their designs have impacted all our lives through currency, packaging and postage stamps as well as advertising, publishing and architectural signage. Their work in retail (including Myer, David Jones), travel (Qantas, Orient Line), alcohol (Penfolds, Tooth and Co) and more have solidified the image of some our most iconic brands. Pioneers of a new Australian aesthetic in open dialogue with international art and design movements, many of the designers in Graphic Identities contributed to the professionalisation of the design sector through industry organisations as well as educational institutions.