When one has the honor and rare privilege of writing history based upon primary sources research, writing from secondary resources, is an impersonal and much less exhilarating experience. They have little in common, but in this article, more similarity than initially meets the naked eye may be revealed.
The Charrette, NY Graphic Design Examiner stories that have appeared over the last several months are completely based on primary source interviews. This has been an outstanding experience. The two Charrette founders, Lionel Spiro and Blair Brown, alumni of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, both reside in New England.
They have generously made themselves available for numerous phone interviews, e-mails and gift giving of not only wonderful stories but Charrette memorabilia, as well. Many other primary sources have also stepped forward. With each interview, many more alumni are added to the growing list of future interviewees.
Taking a side trip to what would appear to be an unrelated topic leads one to focus on Paul Rand, the NYC born graphic designer. This biographical sketch does not allow one the same intimate experience of primary source research. Paul Rand died in 1996. Although he has numerous YouTube videos, he cannot be interviewed. At times, watching YouTube does feel like knowing him. But it is not the same as talking with him, listening to his reminiscences or hearing his detailed life experience descriptions.
According to Wikipedia, Paul Rand was born Peretz Rosenbaum in Brooklyn, NY, on August 15, 1914 and died on November 26, 1996. He was one of 'the great' (this author's emphasis) "American graphic designers, best known for his corporate logo designs, including the logos for IBM, UPS, Enron, Westinghouse, ABC, and Steve Jobs’ NeXT. He was an originator of the Swiss Style of graphic design.
"Rand was educated at the Pratt Institute (1929–1932), Parsons The New School for Design (1932–33), and the Art Students League (1933–1934). From 1956 to 1969, and beginning again in 1974, Rand taught design at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Rand was inducted into the New York Art Directors Club Hall of Fame in 1972. Rand died of cancer in 1996. He is buried in Beth El Cemetery."
Did Paul Rand, NYC born and trained graphic designer, have a connection with Charrette, NY? Find out in Part Two.
Comments