The Modernist #22
For magCulture readers, it’s hard to go wrong with a magazine about 20th century modernist architecture and design. This small title from Manchester has been looking at just that for five years now: it’s grown surely and steadily over the time, sometimes missing a beat in terms of its own design but always offering a fresh perspective on a much-loved historical aesthetic. With supporters such as Johnny Marr and Jonathan Meades, it’s also a safe bet that The Modernist is always going to offer something interesting.
We’re highlighting the newest issue 22 this week for it’s seamless pairing of content and design. In straightforward yet playful lime green and black, the issue takes Games as its theme: as well as inevitable exploration of the imagery around the Olympics (above), this also means a look at the toys of modernism, from products by Galt Toys to the Bauhaus (below).
It’s a celebration of the whimsy of modernism, and a look at the period through the spectrum of childhood and sports. From the playful posters of Abram Games to hop-scotch (bloth below), The Modernist leaves no stone unturned.
The title first emerged out of a desire to encourage an appreciation of the UK’s modernism beyond what’s found in London; the editors felt that a lot of attention was fixed on the capital and not enough beyond it. With issue 22, its original raison’d'être of celebrating the more overlooked aspects of modernism prevails: in luminous green the magazine highlights the movements penchant for play as well as stringent geometry and vigorous functionalism.
Editors: Jack Hale, Emily Gee and Eddy Rhead
Design: Jonathan Hitchen