Theo Inglis: Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design

Theo Inglis Mid-Century Modern Graphic DesignA visual and comprehensive guide to a hugely popular graphic style. The distinctive aesthetic of mid-century design captured the post-war zeitgeist of energy and progress, and remains hugely popular today.

In Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design, Theo Inglis takes an in-depth look at the innovative graphics of the period, writing about the work of artists and designers from all over the world.

From book covers, record covers and posters to advertising, typography and illustration, the designs feature eye-popping colour palettes, experimental type and prints that buzz with kinetic energy.

The book features artworks from a wide selection of international designers and illustrators whose work continues to inspire and influence today, including Ray Eames, Paul Rand, Alex Steinweiss, Joseph Low, Alvin Lustig, Elaine Lustig Cohen, Leo Lionni, Rudolph de Harak, Abram Games, Tom Eckersley, Ivan Chermayeff, Josef Albers, Corita Kent, Jim Flora, Ben Shahn, Herbert Bayer and Helen Borten.

Theo draws from a broad range of sources including advertising, magazine covers, record sleeves, travel posters and children’s book illustration to show the development of the design style globally, and how this continues to influence design today.

Following a general introduction, Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design is split into five chapters focusing on specific areas of graphic design: Book Covers, Record Sleeves, Posters & Advertising, Magazine Covers and Illustrated Books. The book is packed with hundreds of colour illustrations, including classic designs, such as Saul Bass’ film posters and Miroslav Šašek’s children’s books, alongside lesser-known gems.


Theo Inglis is a design writer and graphic designer who specialises in post-war design. He has written for many design magazines and websites, including Grafik, Eye, Creative Review, AIGA Eye On Design, The Recorder and Monotype. Additionally, he holds an MA in Critical Writing in Art and Design from the Royal College of Art.


Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design is published by Pavilion Books and available at selected retailers including Booktopia.

Image: Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design by Theo Inglis