DMU Archives has a near-complete collection of prospectuses for the institution, beginning in 1897 (we are missing the years 1870-1896). These are an invaluable resource for information about course content, timetabling, administrative structure, student activities, the names of staff, and photographs of campus and classes. I also find them fascinating from a design perspective. Looking at them all in order is like travelling through a summary of twentieth century design and marketing history. Styles and tastes change, the presentation becomes more sophisticated, and the branding becomes more uniform. Although they always aim to grab attention whether through their lettering, bright colour or excellent photography.
To showcase this, Archives volunteer David Freestone has been digitising the front covers of a selection of prospectuses which have now been uploaded into Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHskaCnYa9
This is the first Flickr exhibition we have created – let us know what you think!
