Design Reviewed is an independent archive and website documenting the history of graphic design.

Documenting the history of graphic design from a personal, growing archive and a series of lectures and workshops.

Collected graphic design history from the design archive

Mission

Design Reviewed was created to give designers, researchers, and creatives affordable access to design history. The project exists to document, preserve, and celebrate graphic design by ensuring designers are credited and their work is accessible for future generations.

In addition to the online archive, every item has a physical presence in my studio in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The collection is actively used to inspire students and professionals and spark conversations around the importance of preserving design heritage.

Graphic design history workshops

Graphic Design Archive

Hi, my name is Matt Lamont and I have collected printed matter for over a decade. Design Reviewed is a personal project dedicated to digitally preserving graphic design history and documenting the vast visual culture from the last century.

My current collection of design artefacts contains over 8,000 artefacts of printed matter, spanning 150 years of graphic design history. From rare graphic and architecturally focused periodicals such as Typografia, Architectural Design and Typographische Monatsblatter and National Theatre programmes designed by Ken Briggs. To mid-century colourful folded maps and illustrated German film posters designed by Hans Hillmann.

Historic Graphic Design Articles

A selection of graphic design articles based on the design artefacts in the archive. Articles discussing aspects of design such as logos, advertisements, posters and book covers. Explore historical context and its impact on the field of graphic design.

By drawing on historical design artefacts, the articles provide valuable insight into the evolution of graphic design as a discipline and its ongoing impact on visual culture.

Graphic Design History Newsletter

Discover more gems from the past and keep up-to-date with all things Design Reviewed, by signing up for the design history newsletter

Memberships funding the graphic design archive

Design History Workshops

I have inspired students both locally and internationally including Milan from the IED, Istituto Europeo di Design, LABASAD (Barcelona School of Arts and Design). Arts Univeristy Bournemouth, Leeds Beckett and many more educational institutions. They’re meticulously curated with my extensive archive, offered either via live video or in-person settings, featuring hundreds of design artefacts that serve as a catalyst for discourse. In addition to delivering lectures on graphic design history, I provide valuable insights into industry practices and running a design agency.

Matt Lamont and the Design Reviewed Archive is use for a Educational Workshop