Instant Whip
Client
Panel / Glasgow School of Art
Date
2024
Location
Glasgow, UK
Services Provided
Sector
Fraser Taylor has had a long and distinguished career in Fashion and Textiles, first coming to prominence in 1983 alongside fellow RCA students Brian Bolger, David Band and Helen Manning as design collective The Cloth.
Instant Whip: The Textiles and Papers of Fraser Taylor 1977–87 Revisited is an identity that we created for this exhibition, publication and workshop programme produced by curatorial arts organisation Panel with Glasgow School of Art Archives and Collections.
We developed a dynamic visual identity and system inspired by Fraser Taylor's prolific energy and the dynamic qualities of his work. This was rolled-out across a magazine-like publication influenced by editorial design styles from the era of the original work. We also created a range of physical and digital exhibition and marketing collateral.
The project shines a light on Fraser's archive, acquired by The Glasgow School of Art in 2014. The exhibition brings together this unique archive collection with new commissions for the first time.
1
The most visited show in the history of the Glasgow School of Art, Reid Gallery.
2
Extensive public and community engagement through a programme of exhibition tours, workshops and talks.
3
A showcase for new work created in response to the archive.
Identity
Inspired by Fraser's dynamic style, the project identity seeks to capture the movement and pace of the work but also the sharpness and 'crack' of the whip.
The fresh edge that was present in the work from the archive but also in Fraser's practice today.
Publication
The original Instant Whip and the early work of Fraser and The Cloth came very much from the world of magazines and fast culture. We wanted to reflect this with the exhibition publication.
Produced in a large format with tall proportions, much like Warhol's Interview magazine, the publication is more fashion editorial than exhibition catalogue.
“
The imagination, skill, and attention to detail of Graphical House resulted in a striking and coherent visual identity that resonated beautifully.
Lucy McEachen
Panel
Marketing
The choppy, throw away styles of '80s magazine culture were carried over into the marketing and merchandising of the exhibition.
Static and digital poster sites around the city hosted an array of material all taken from Fraser's archive sketch books.
Exhibition
The exhibition itself, designed and built by Rob Kennedy, was an energetic and playful celebration of the work from the archive, featuring many original pieces of fabric as well as sketch books and ephemera.
A remarkable collection of objects that offer a real insight into this period of time and the cultural backdrop behind the work.
“
It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Graphical House on Instant Whip. We worked closely with them to develop a holistic graphic design concept for the project, spanning exhibition, publication, and marketing materials. Their imagination, skill, and attention to detail resulted in a striking and coherent visual identity that resonated beautifully across both digital and print platforms.
Instant Whip involved multiple partners and Graphical House navigated these relationships with patience and care throughout. Their dedication to excellence is visible across the project – we are so grateful for their brilliant contribution.
Lucy McEachen
Panel