#archives80s

When we reflect on the 1980s at Vignelli Associates, we can’t help but think about the work of Michael Bierut. 

Before joining Pentagram, he worked with the Vignellis’ from 1980-1990. The 1980s was the decade of Michael Bierut.

Here is a series of posters he designed for the Architectural League of New York for their lecture series Emerging Voices: Young Architects and their Work. 

Today is 8/8/18 and it’s also time for this month’s #ArchivesHashtagParty hosted by the National Archives and Northwestern University’s Transportation Library. With all these eights, what could be more fitting than an #Archives80s theme. Archives, libraries, and museums (and you can too!) are sharing their 80s-themed artifacts! (That includes 1780s, 1880s, or 1980s). 

More Michael Bierut designs from the archives:  http://vignellicenter.tumblr.com/search/bierut

The 1880s: George Post’s Produce Exchange building signals the arrival of metal frame construction, which means that skyscrapers are coming to New York. 

The 1980s: Skyscrapers might be getting out of hand, as the Municipal Art Society leads a protest against plans for a massive new building at Columbus Circle. 

Follow #Archives80s on Twitter and Instagram for more 80s history!

New York Produce Exchange. The New York Produce Exchange invites you to the opening exercises... 1884. New-York Historical Society.

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. 

In 1987, you probably shopped at a United Colors of Benetton store. You may have worn one of these t-shirts. “Why wear just a top when you can stand out in art? Nine famous American graphic artists made these knockout designs, exclusively for Benetton.”

Lella and Massimo Vignelli gathered nine graphic designers, including Massimo Vignelli himself and Michael Bierut (Vice President of Graphic Design at the Vignelli office), to each design a t-shirt for the Italian clothing company Benetton. The other seven designers were: April Greiman, Dan Friedman, Takenobu Igarashi, Seymour Chwast, Woody Pirtle, Michael Vanderbyl, and Milton Glaser.

Today is 8/8/18 and it’s also time for this month’s #ArchivesHashtagParty hosted by the National Archives and Northwestern University’s Transportation Library. With all these eights, what could be more fitting than an #Archives80s theme. Archives, libraries, and museums (and you can too!) are sharing their 80s-themed artifacts! (That includes 1780s, 1880s, or 1980s). 

More 1980s from the archives:  http://vignellicenter.tumblr.com/search/1980s

United Colors of Benetton The catalog Spring/Summer 1987  Massimo and Lella Vignelli papers Vignelli Center for Design Studies Rochester, New York

These photographs come from the series Investigation Case Files, 1988-1989, created by the Resident Agent in Charge in Douglas, Arizona.  This case file involves an individual who was arrested trying to smuggle marijuana into the United States.  The U.S. Customs Inspection Officer noticed that the individual seemed nervous, so he used a K-9 unit which found drugs located under the seat of the vehicle.

Nothing says the ‘80s like marijuana stuffed into the back seat!  #Archives80s

The 1680s: “You are in His MEJESTY’s [sic] Name Required, sometime in the Month of August next ensuing, to make a List of all the male Persons in the same town...”

The 1780s: “GREAT BRITAIN acknowledges the Sovereignty & Independence of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Follow #Archives80s on Twitter and Instagram for more 80s history!

Territory and Dominion of New-England. John Usher Esq; receiver general of His Majesty's revenues... 1688. Boston. New-York Historical Society.