About this collection

This digital collection combines selections from Hagley Library's collections of Irvin Koons photographs (Accession 1996.315), Irv Koons papers (Accession 2132), and Irv Koons memorabilia (Accession 2716), all originating from the life and work of the graphic artist, industrial designer, and illustrator Irv Koons (1922-2017).

During a career which spanned nearly fifty years, Koons earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential designers in the packaging industry, with awards in nearly every major packaging competition, including being named the Packaging Person of the Year by the Packaging Designers Council in 1982, the fourth year in which the award was bestowed.

These collections include materials documenting his work in marketing and industrial design, his efforts to expand awareness about the historical and contemporary importance of packaging in a consumer economy, his work as an educator in the field of marketing and package design, and his work in advocacy on behalf of underdeveloped and developing nations.

Image: Cadbury Schweppes - Cadbury Cookies supermarket display, 1986. Click here to view in the collection.