The distinctive smaller format of LogoArchive–a zine on mid-century symbols that channels the independent spirit of niche publishing–has created a space for experimentation and collaboration with those who also share a similar interest in symbols and corporate identity programmes of the past. BankerWessel is one such studio. Their brand identity work brings the spirit of mid-century form language into the present and then carries it forward into the future. This becomes the foundation of LogoArchive’s third Extra Issue; Past & Present, the eight release in the series and the first for 2020.

In the dialogue between booklet and insert (symbols past and present), two unique cover variations with symbols from 1976 and 2010) and the chronological sequence of BankerWessel’s own design process, this issue intends to be a small bookmark in time and a provocation to think about the iterative and cyclical nature of graphic design.

Order LogoArchive zines here.
And subscribe to Logo Histories here.

In the spirit of collaboration, this issue maintains and in other cases breaks free from convention, pairing the archival format of the zine with illustration, lettering and process. The opening spread sets this up, replacing the familiar introductory text with an original illustration by BankerWessel. The explicit becomes the implicit. Based on the theme of Past & Present, this seeks to express the historical sensitivity necessary to understand the present and better shape the future, but also the now multi-sensory branding experiences of the present. It neatly leads the reader forward, through to the next pages of the booklet, and is augmented by a text.

The archival section of this issue, and the foundation of the LogoArchive project which began on Instagram in 2015, remains. As with previous issues, this one has its own subtext, touching on the cyclical nature of design. It does this in the archival section by collating symbols created by design studios for design studios (events and indepedant designers), in the rotational qualities of the two cover symbols, the rotating of an ambigram and the zine’s own productisation of design; the selling of design back to designers.

By intersecting the archival section of the LogoArchive document with symbols of the present, the zine intends to bring to life the continuity (or ongoing story) of corporate symbol design. BankerWessel was commissioned specifically for this issue, as they carry the spirit of mid-century form language into the future. This idea of a continued story is encapsulated in the centre spread with an ambigram of paths, making the most of the physical aspect of a project that once began online, and in the presentation of BankerWessel’s iterative process in the design of their symbols for Fotografiska and Hasselbald Foundation at the centre.

This issue is printed by WithPrint using five passes of white across three different stocks from Fedrigoni, Iris, Arancio and Ultra Black delivering impact and contrast, augmented by different insert shapes. This are bound with white staples. LogoArchive Zines are available to order from LogoArchive.Shop.

Designer: BankerWessel,, Project / Editor: Richard Baird, Publisher: BP&O. Specifications: Size: 148x210mm, Booklet: Pages: 10pp + Cover, Finish: White (x5), Paper: Fedrigoni, Sirio Colour Iris, 140gsm. Insert 1: Pages: 8pp, Finish: White (x5), Paper: Fedrigoni, Sirio Colour Arancio, 115gsm. Insert 2: Pages: 8pp, Finish: White (x5), Paper: Fedrigoni, Sirio Colour Ultra Black, 115gsm, Binding: White Staples. Paper: Elemental Chlorine Free, FSC Mix, Acid-Free, Cotton Content, Heavy Metal Absence. Print: WithPrint. Paper: Fedrigoni. Discover more about logo design at LogoArchive’s Logo Histories.