Periodicals Paradise and Cameron's are two spots any self-respecting fan of vintage magazines should be sure to hit when visiting Portland Oregon. Although plenty picked-over and not what they used to be ( in the good old days of 2006 when I was last there ) I still still really enjoyed sifting through the stacks at both of these pulpy places for those elusive publications I'm always searching for and all those I yet know exist.
One item form the former category ( albeit one not on the folded list with microscopically small printing I carry tucked away in my wallet for just such vintage magazine searching emergencies... What? - You're saying you didn't realize I was that much of a dork?!) was this 1950 Columbia Records catalog I stumbled upon in a box of music related paper ephemera at Cameron's during the trip. Interesting in it's own right for fans of music such as myself this tiny tome lists every Columbia (as in the "C" from CBS) records release from the period. But... even more exciting is that this swell two-colour (green and black for those of you from the colourblind crowd) cover illustration was created by none other than Mr. James Flora.
"Flora who?!" you may ask.
Jim Flora was simply one of the most unique, interesting and influential illustrators and designers of the 1940s, 1950s and 60s. But don't take my word for it! Here's another recent find, this time a thrift store purchase. Flora illustrated scores of 78", LP and even single covers - like this Glenn Miller gatefold double 7".
Both of these are up on my Flickr photostream right now along with some other recent finds. But if you want to cut to the chase and get to the fantastic Flora features first why not swing by the Jim Flora Art group on Flickr, or go straight to the source at JimFlora.Com!
2 comments:
Hey Glen! We should get together some time soon and share some Ovaltine, or a beer.
Or an Ovaltine beer!
Post a Comment