The golden age of crisp packet design has been immortalized in a new book, 'UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000', which pays tribute to the colorful, playful, and sometimes bizarre world of snack food packaging from the 1970s to the year 2000. The collection features an astonishing array of designs that catered to children's interests, as well as TV shows and films.
The book is a labor of love for Chris Packet, a 43-year-old artist who has amassed an impressive archive of crisp packets from his childhood. His journey began in 2018 when he stumbled upon a decades-old Space Raiders packet while exploring a disused train tunnel in London. The packet had been protected from the elements and remained remarkably intact.
Packet's obsession with crisp packets grew, and he started scouring the internet for more, buying bags from collectors and asking friends to keep an eye out for rare finds. His collection now boasts over 150 unique designs, including some truly remarkable examples like a bag of Monster Munch bearing a best before date of July 1989.
What makes these packets so fascinating is not just their nostalgic value but also the insight they provide into the world of design and marketing in the late 20th century. From bold colors to playful illustrations, each packet tells a story about the era's pop culture and consumer trends.
The book's author, Chris Packet, is a self-described graffiti artist with an eye for design. He notes that many modern snack packets have lost their charm and character, opting instead for sleeker, more computer-aided designs. For him, crisp packet art was not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling and creating memorable experiences.
The book's foreword by Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, adds a layer of depth to the collection. She argues that these packets are more than just trash; they hold an alternative history of children's culture, revealing the importance of autonomy and choice in childhood.
Ultimately, 'UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000' is a celebration of the art of design and the power of nostalgia. It reminds us that even the humblest objects can evoke strong emotions and memories, transporting us back to a bygone era when snacks were simple joys and pop culture was full of wonder.
The book is a labor of love for Chris Packet, a 43-year-old artist who has amassed an impressive archive of crisp packets from his childhood. His journey began in 2018 when he stumbled upon a decades-old Space Raiders packet while exploring a disused train tunnel in London. The packet had been protected from the elements and remained remarkably intact.
Packet's obsession with crisp packets grew, and he started scouring the internet for more, buying bags from collectors and asking friends to keep an eye out for rare finds. His collection now boasts over 150 unique designs, including some truly remarkable examples like a bag of Monster Munch bearing a best before date of July 1989.
What makes these packets so fascinating is not just their nostalgic value but also the insight they provide into the world of design and marketing in the late 20th century. From bold colors to playful illustrations, each packet tells a story about the era's pop culture and consumer trends.
The book's author, Chris Packet, is a self-described graffiti artist with an eye for design. He notes that many modern snack packets have lost their charm and character, opting instead for sleeker, more computer-aided designs. For him, crisp packet art was not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling and creating memorable experiences.
The book's foreword by Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, adds a layer of depth to the collection. She argues that these packets are more than just trash; they hold an alternative history of children's culture, revealing the importance of autonomy and choice in childhood.
Ultimately, 'UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000' is a celebration of the art of design and the power of nostalgia. It reminds us that even the humblest objects can evoke strong emotions and memories, transporting us back to a bygone era when snacks were simple joys and pop culture was full of wonder.
, we drove through the countryside and saw so many beautiful landscapes. I was thinking about how crisp packet designs used to be so much fun, like who comes up with these weird and wonderful characters? Like, what's the story behind Space Raiders? Was it just a random idea or did someone actually come up with it? 
It's amazing how much personality was put into packaging back then. Nowadays it just seems so... bland. 
. I mean, who didn't love rummaging through their parents' cupboards for those retro crisp packets? The designs are just so rad, from Space Raiders to Monster Munch - they're like little time capsules from a bygone era 
. And it's not just the art that's cool, but also how it reveals what was going on in terms of design and marketing back then. It's wild to think about how different things were just 20-30 years ago 
. I'm definitely picking up this book, can't wait to dive into all those nostalgic memories! 
? And don't even get me started on the environmental impact of all those discarded packets... but hey, to each their own, I guess!
its like time travel for ur snack food memories 
i mean who knew crisp packets could be so much more than just trash? 
chris packet's collection is insane, over 150 unique designs and he even got a foreword from someone who actually knows what they're talking about 
i feel like these packets are the ultimate nostalgic thing, theyre like little pieces of childhood history 
I'd need some sources on how he got all these packets and why they're so special to me. Anyone have a copy of this book?
. The way they capture the essence of pop culture from back in the day is just genius 
. And I love how Annebella Pollen highlights the importance of autonomy and choice in childhood - it's like these packets are more than just trash, they're time capsules of memories 
. I'm totally getting this book ASAP and checking out some old Space Raiders packets for myself 
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because I need more of that vintage crisp packet goodness in my life 
. has anyone else read it? 
. But seriously, this book is more than just a collection of old packets. It's like, a history of how snack food packaging went from being all fun and colorful to just bland and boring 
. I think what's cool about it is that they're not just nostalgic, but also tell us something about the design process and marketing back in the day. And I love Annebella Pollen's take on how these packets are like an alternative history of kids' culture - it's so true 
. Anyway, if you haven't checked out this book yet, you gotta 
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. But hey, to each their own, right? I'd rather have a packet that still brings back memories of me as a kid than some sleek, computer-designed monstrosity 
. They've got all this info about the era we're living in written right on them 
. It's like they were trying to make us feel all nostalgic and stuff. And I'm totally down for that nostalgia trip 
. it’s also kinda sad that modern snack packaging has lost its charm... I don’t think I’d pay good money for a packet of Monster Munch just because of the design 
It's crazy how some designs can still evoke nostalgia today. And I'm not surprised Chris Packet has an entire collection of 'em - it's like a treasure trove for design nerds! 
The point is, these little packets might seem insignificant, but they hold memories and stories from our childhoods. That's what makes this book so cool