Herman Miller introduces two new collector's items from its archives, adding to its iconic Picnic Poster series with the limited release of Hot Dog Picnic Poster (1973) and a new standalone print edition of Ideas magazine.
The poster and magazine, along with a sampling of Herman Miller's rich graphic design history, will be on display during a 'Picnic on Park' celebration at Herman Miller's New York location at 251 Park Avenue South during NYCxDESIGN, from 21 to 23 May.
Hot Dog Picnic Poster
In 1970, Herman Miller hired its first in-house graphic designer fresh out of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Steve Frykholm. Over Frykholm's 45-year career, his role expanded to Vice President of Creative Design, and included countless awards and achievements. For 20 consecutive years, one of the projects he expressed being most proud of is designing Herman Miller's annual company picnic poster. Each year brought a new design challenge in the form of a picnic theme inspired by quintessential American summer potluck menu items. The colourful artwork grew to become as highly anticipated a tradition as the picnic itself, and has made its way into permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and many other museums worldwide.
The Hot Dog Picnic Poster is the third in the Picnic Poster series to be offered by the brand as a limited-run reprint. Posters previously selected include Sweet Corn Picnic Poster (1970), released in 2021, and Watermelon Picnic Poster (1971) in 2023.
The meticulous screen-printing technique used to remake Hot Dog Picnic Poster still closely mirrors what Frykholm initiated in 1970, which he describes in a short film produced by the brand: 'It's a sequence of events. One colour at a time. And then that last one goes on, and it's better than you imagined.' The story behind the printing process spans four decades and is covered in more detail in the new edition of Ideas magazine.
'The Picnic Poster series released from 1970 to 1989 brought joy to Herman Miller employees and represents a well-loved company culture and tradition,' said Amy Auscherman, Director of Global Archives and Brand Heritage at MillerKnoll. 'Originally, Frykholm created the designs for invitations and other promotional materials. The program took off quickly, with posters made available exclusively to Herman Miller employees.'
Each poster is screen printed on 100% cotton paper and mounted in an American maple frame available in natural, white, or black finish.
Ideas magazine
Ideas magazine is inspired by a thought-leader-style publication of the same name Herman Miller published for internal and commercial audiences between 1978 and 1982. The newly released standalone issue considers Herman Miller today by examining ideas set in motion throughout the company's history and highlighting emerging ideas. 'There are many reasons Herman Miller is thriving after 100 years, and our ongoing receptivity to ideas is central to the brand's success,' said Kelsey Keith, Brand Creative Director at Herman Miller. 'The stories we tell in the magazine—and its accompanying social and digital experiences—explore the ideas behind all aspects of design, while tapping into Herman Miller's spirit of adventure and history of innovation.'
Herman Miller 'Picnic on Park' at NYCxDESIGN
Herman Miller's store at 251 Park Avenue South will host Picnic on Park during NYCxDESIGN on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 21-23, 2024, 12 pm - 2 pm EST. Visitors will experience a summer picnic, Herman Miller-style, courtesy of a bespoke hot dog cart; receive a copy of Ideas magazine and a collectible tote (available in limited quantities); and get a first look at the Hot Dog Picnic Poster, the 2024 reissue from Herman Miller's iconic Picnic Poster series.
More information:
MillerKnoll
www.millerknoll.com