One Shilling: The Football Programme Design Revolution of 1965-85 is the first-ever exploration of this golden era of football programme design, when the humble football programme suddenly boasted a remarkable variety of eye-catching covers and layouts.

The football programme has been a staple of the national game since Victorian times. Passionate artists and typesetters designed printed programmes for match goers, but unlike the fashion or music industries, the names behind the artworks for these pocket-money priced matchday publications were often uncredited or ignored. Until now.

At its heart, this is the story of John Elvin, the greatest football programme designer, who tore up the formal code of lay-outs and traditional typefaces, and used photos in new and innovative ways. The book also explores the wider cultural and political backstory of British football over a transformative two decades from England's World Cup victory in 1966, and looking forward, it champions the potential of a new era for programme design.

About the Author

Matthew Caldwell set up the Instagram account @1_shilling to share the story of forgotten football programme designs with the world. He is a co-founder of Monday Nights design practice, a cross-discipline design studio specialising in brand identity across multiple sectors including sports and entertainment. Alan Dein is an oral historian, writer and radio broadcaster, and is a lifelong collector of footballing ephemera.

Reviews

"This new hardback takes us back to a lost world of programme sellers and sixties, seventies and eighties graphics. It's perhaps hard to believe, without looking at page 206 (of 224) how fabulous Torquay United's programme looked (and still looks now): yellows and blues in a water-colour style, making quite a splash, [in] season 73/74. So, with football scarf on, set off right now to PITCH, the 'programme shop' and treat yourself to a super read. Sadly, hot teas and pies are not provided! Rating: 10/10."

-- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

"Fond look back at a golden age for football programme design: those like me who have acquired hundreds of football programmes over the years and often ponder what they should do with them, will appreciate this book, with scores of top graphics and programme covers. The authors have given due recognition to a previously untold story."

* Cadhain's Blog *



Book Information
ISBN 9781801508889
Author Matthew Caldwell
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
Publisher Pitch Publishing Ltd