Munich ’72 Olympic Design Legacy
An upcoming show at University of the Creative Arts brings together some of Otl Aicher’s iconic designs for the Munich 1972 Olympics, and looks to explore their continuing appeal.
The exhibition draws on the personal archive of Professor Ian McLaren, who was a senior member of Aicher’s design team.
As well as displaying the pictograms, posters and other designs, Munich ’72 – Design Legacy will also offer a first-hand account of the design development, its subsequent commercialisation and its impact on later Games, such as London 2012.
There will also be a one-day symposium, exploring the continuing appeal of the designs, with contributors including Spin’s Tony Brook and Lucienne Roberts of GraphicDesign&.
Munich ’72 – Design Legacy, is at Herbert Read Gallery, University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3AN. For more information visit www.munich72.org.
When I look at this wonderful Munich work of 4 decades ago and compare it to our own graphic output for the 2012 Olympics I despair. What on earth possessed those in charge to produce such unimaginative, uninspiring and down right dull work?