The occasional series “Lost Designers” spotlights those who left behind some visible icons and artifacts, but haven’t been recognized in design histories. We welcome submissions from readers. Recognition benefits everyone. Today’s subject, Arnold Shaw, was submitted by his daughter, also a designer, Susan Shaw. His most iconic designs were the Composing Room type catalog and logo for the New York shirt maker, The Custom Shop.
New York designer Arnold Shaw (1922-1967) graduated Cooper Union in 1946 and was part of the NY design community until 1967 when he died at age 45. The transformation from 1950s freelance designer (of pharma and direct mail) to Swiss style design is evident in the work. In the early ’60s he joined The Composing Room as type/design director following Aaron Burns departure. This resulted in a close relationship with the legendary typologist, Dr. Robert L. Leslie at Gallery 303. He was part of TDC, AIGA the Art Directors club and ICTA. He chaired committees and judged many shows including Typomundus 20 in which all the entries were consumed in a warehouse fire in Canada, and the exhibit at Mead Library of Idea had to be cancelled. The Custom House logo was designed in the 1950s.
Competition for DesignersEnter the new competition, Print Celebrates Design, which recognizes outstanding design work created for specific events and holidays.