A treasure trove of crisps past has been unearthed, in the form of a 140-page compendium that delves into the colorful and sometimes bizarre world of crisp packet design between 1970 and 2000. This exhaustive collection is a nostalgic dream come true for many, featuring beloved childhood favorites like Chipsticks, Frazzles, and Snaps, alongside lesser-known and rare gems.
From Dennis the Menace's bacon and baked bean flavor to Golden Wonder's roast turkey and stuffing, Sonic the Hedgehog's salt and vinegar, and the Spice Girls' iconic packet design, each image is a nostalgic trigger that evokes memories of childhood lunchboxes and after-school snacks. Other regional brands from Penryn, Blackpool, and Wigan have also been included, showcasing the diversity and creativity of crisp packaging during this era.
Chris Packet, the artist behind the book, has amassed an impressive archive of crisps packets, including a tatty item that caught his eye in a disused train tunnel in London. The packet, marked 10p, was buried beneath the dirt and protected from rain, sunlight, litter-pickers, and everything else, allowing Packet to uncover it and start his journey.
Packet's criteria for selecting crisps packets is based on their artwork, particularly lettering, illustrations, cartoons, and styles that are playful yet sometimes cool. He cites Space Raiders as an example, comparing the original design by Brett Ewins to the modern version. This nostalgic value extends beyond the crisps themselves, with Packet highlighting the importance of design in the era.
The foreword by Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, explores the cultural significance of crisps packets as "cultural detritus" that can reveal an alternative history. She argues that these humble materials hold a deep power to evoke memories and emotions associated with childhood autonomy.
As the author notes, crisp nostalgia hits people deeply for nuanced reasons, perhaps reminding us of early choices made in lunchboxes or first 10p spent in tuck shops – those small moments of independence and agency. Although they may be empty packets now, these memories are being filled, illustrating the lasting impact of this seemingly trivial aspect of our lives.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000 is a must-have for anyone who grew up with crisps as a staple snack or has a passion for design and nostalgia. It's a testament to the creativity and playfulness that defined crisp packaging during its heyday, and an enduring tribute to the simple joys of childhood.
From Dennis the Menace's bacon and baked bean flavor to Golden Wonder's roast turkey and stuffing, Sonic the Hedgehog's salt and vinegar, and the Spice Girls' iconic packet design, each image is a nostalgic trigger that evokes memories of childhood lunchboxes and after-school snacks. Other regional brands from Penryn, Blackpool, and Wigan have also been included, showcasing the diversity and creativity of crisp packaging during this era.
Chris Packet, the artist behind the book, has amassed an impressive archive of crisps packets, including a tatty item that caught his eye in a disused train tunnel in London. The packet, marked 10p, was buried beneath the dirt and protected from rain, sunlight, litter-pickers, and everything else, allowing Packet to uncover it and start his journey.
Packet's criteria for selecting crisps packets is based on their artwork, particularly lettering, illustrations, cartoons, and styles that are playful yet sometimes cool. He cites Space Raiders as an example, comparing the original design by Brett Ewins to the modern version. This nostalgic value extends beyond the crisps themselves, with Packet highlighting the importance of design in the era.
The foreword by Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, explores the cultural significance of crisps packets as "cultural detritus" that can reveal an alternative history. She argues that these humble materials hold a deep power to evoke memories and emotions associated with childhood autonomy.
As the author notes, crisp nostalgia hits people deeply for nuanced reasons, perhaps reminding us of early choices made in lunchboxes or first 10p spent in tuck shops – those small moments of independence and agency. Although they may be empty packets now, these memories are being filled, illustrating the lasting impact of this seemingly trivial aspect of our lives.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000 is a must-have for anyone who grew up with crisps as a staple snack or has a passion for design and nostalgia. It's a testament to the creativity and playfulness that defined crisp packaging during its heyday, and an enduring tribute to the simple joys of childhood.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to dive into a 140-page treasure trove of retro designs? From Dennis the Menace's salty bacon flavor to Golden Wonder's roast turkey and stuffing, each image is like a time capsule that whisks me back to my childhood lunchboxes and after-school snack sessions 
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. Trust me, it'll transport you back to a simpler time when life was a little less complicated 
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I'm telling you, this book is like a time capsule for anyone who grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s 
. The attention to detail on crisp packet design is insane, and it's amazing how something as mundane as a snack packaging can evoke so much nostalgia 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see the original designs for Dennis the Menace or Sonic the Hedgehog? It's like a trip down memory lane, and the fact that Chris Packet has spent years collecting these packets is just mind-blowing 
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. The foreword by Annebella Pollen talks about crisps packets being "cultural detritus" that can reveal an alternative history, and I think that's so true 
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The way the author writes about this is just so relatable.
. Plus, it's great to see all these regional brands and lesser-known gems featured in the collection - it's like a time capsule of our snacking past! 
the foreword by Annebella Pollen is really insightful about crisps packets being "cultural detritus" that can reveal an alternative history of our childhoods 
The foreword is so on point too - crisps packets are more than just trash, they hold memories and emotions from our childhoods. I'm definitely adding this book to my collection 
The designer, Chris Packet, has got an awesome archive of crisps packets and it shows in this book! 
Definitely gotta get my hands on a copy if you're into that sorta thing...
I need to see some proof of this book existing before I believe it's true. How did Chris Packet come up with these 140 pages of crisps packet designs? Was he just rummaging through thrift stores or did he actually have a collection all along? 
And what's with the claim that crisps packets are "cultural detritus" holding deep memories and emotions? I mean, isn't that just a fancy way of saying they're old and dusty? 
! who didn't grow up with these iconic designs 
we need more books like this, preserving our cultural detritus for future generations 
? Like, who knew our grandparents' lunchboxes were actually holding so much nostalgia power 
. Like, remember when you spent your first 10p in tuck shop? 
That's some deep stuff right there.
. It's like, we're getting a glimpse into an alternate history of UK snack culture 
. And yeah the design on those old packets is just amazing, it's like a whole different world 
. The idea that they hold power to evoke memories and emotions associated with childhood autonomy is really interesting too 
! The artist behind the book, Chris Packet, must be a lifesaver for anyone who grew up with crisps as a staple snack or has a passion for design and nostalgia. It's not just about the crisps themselves, but the memories and emotions they evoke. The foreword by Annebella Pollen is also super insightful, highlighting the cultural significance of crisps packets as "cultural detritus" that can reveal an alternative history.
it's amazing how much design goes into something as simple as a packet of crisps... it's really cool to see how far the packaging has come since then. and I love how the author is celebrating all the little details, like lettering and illustrations, that made those packets so iconic.
This book is definitely a must-have for anyone who grew up with crisps and has a passion for design and nostalgia. It's a beautiful reminder that even in the most mundane things, there can be beauty and significance. 
it's amazing how something as simple as a packet can evoke such strong memories. and can we talk about the design aspect? it's like a whole different world of art and creativity 
. i'd totally grab this book in a heartbeat, it's like a time capsule for my snacking past 
but just read about the new book out for all you retro crisp packet lovers! Sounds like a dream come true for nostalgic snackers everywhere... can't believe some of these old packets made it out alive 
. This book would be a must-get for anyone who's ever wondered what went on behind those colorful packets