I found this in a box in the cellar, so unfortunately it’s absorbed some moist cellar air over the years. But! Let’s have a look at it anyway — I think it’s a mildly interesting artefact (if you’re into 4AD).
So it’s a catalogue from 4AD from the early 90s. Well — mid 90s, I guess…
I just love the design and typography here. It’s all so thoughtful and well done — it’s by v23, of course (Vaughan Oliver and Chris Bigg, 4AD’s in house design team).
But, of course — it’s a pretty expensive publication, offset printed, so they can’t just run off a new edition every year when things go in and out of print, so:
They have to include a sheet (also well designed, but laser printed) to list what’s actually in stock now.
It rather feels like this catalogue sums up 4AD in one object — very pretty, but not really sustainable.