With the highly anticipated derby game looming tomorrow, we took a trip down memory lane and stumbled upon one of our earlier design projects—a publication that’s now an incredible 21 years old. This book, originally produced in 1992 – ISBN 9780951609828, was created for Rugby League journalist Mike Latham, a respected name in the sport’s community.
The book was born in an era straddling the line between traditional and modern design techniques. Computers had begun to play a role in streamlining text composition and layout, but the process still required a hands-on approach. This was a time when paste-up work, drawing boards, and camera techniques were integral to the design world. Those were the days of cow gum—a staple adhesive in every designer’s toolkit—along with countless hours spent perfecting layouts on drawing boards and developing images in darkrooms.
Looking back, there’s a certain charm to that semi-technical age. It was a period where creative labour met technical skill, and each project carried with it the weight of craftsmanship. This 1992 book represents not just a product of its time, but a relic of a design process that has now largely faded into history.
As we reflect on this work, it reminds us how far the world of design has come—how techniques have evolved, yet also how those earlier methods hold a nostalgic place in our hearts. With tomorrow’s big match rekindling memories of Wigan’s rugby legacy, this old publication serves as a tribute to the past—both in the world of sport and design.
It’s a reminder of how time, skill, and passion all intertwine to leave a lasting impression.
