Book Jackets
Sub-Series
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Freelance Design Series
Printed Samples Sub-Series
Arranged alphabetically by project, then chronologically
This series contains printed samples of Muriel R. Cooper’s freelance design work. Cooper worked with many Boston area agencies to create unique and informative pamphlets, reports, newsletters, business materials and more. Notable companies include Allied Kid Company, Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, Arthur D. Little, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Institute for Contemporary Art, and Radcliffe, Simmons, and Wellesley Colleges. Much of her work in this collection is also available to look at in its creation phase in the Branding Mock-Ups sub-series of her freelance design work.
Branding Mock-Ups Sub-Series Arranged alphabetically by project, then chronologically During her career as a freelance graphic designer, Cooper designed a number of logos, pamphlets, and books. This series contains her work as it was in process, including the famed MIT Press logo.
Business Papers Sub-Series Arranged alphabetically Materials in this sub-series are administrative in nature relating to Cooper’s work as a freelance designer, including correspondence, contracts, and self-promotional materials.
Financial Records Sub-Series Arranged by record type, then chronologically
MIT Press Series Book Jackets Sub-Series Arranged chronologically This sub-series contains book jackets designed by Muriel R. Cooper during her tenure with the MIT Press. Many items listed (noted by [COL#] in the record) were once on loan at Columbia for their exhibition on Muriel Cooper in 2014. Books jackets that are not small enough to fit in folders may be found in the oversize collection.
Administrative Files Original Order maintained where possible The contents of Muriel R. Cooper’s file cabinets and desks relating to her career with the MIT Press can be found in this sub-series. Much of this part of the collection is available as Cooper had organized it. Files include notes, correspondence, MIT Press catalogs, MIT Summer Session flyers, and more.
Visual Language Workshop Series Teaching Materials/Student Work Sub-Series Arranged by course, then chronologically This sub-series contains course preparation materials from course instructors for the Visible Language Workshop, as well as student projects for a number of the courses taught. Courses include Creative Seeing, Messages and Means, and Typographics.
Research Sub-Series Arranged chronologically This sub-series contains materials related to research conducted by faculty and staff of the VLW as part of their work with the program. Files include funding proposals, an NEA grant application, and pre-prints of publications by VLW faculty and researchers.
Creation and Administration Subseries Arranged chronologically This subseries contains materials relating to the creation and day-to-day operation of the VLW.
Early Design Courses Arranged chronologically This series contains files relating to a small number of design courses taught by Cooper before the founding of the VLW.
Personal Items Arranged topically, then chronologically This series contains personal items relating to Muriel R. Cooper’s life and interests. In this part of the collection, a significant collection of handwritten recipe cards and artistic correspondence from Muriel’s friends can be found.
Artwork This small series contains Muriel’s personal artwork. Included are sketchbooks and paintings.
Memorials Arranged by event This series contains materials relating to various memorial events held in Muriel R. Cooper’s honor after her death.
Branding Mock-Ups Sub-Series Arranged alphabetically by project, then chronologically During her career as a freelance graphic designer, Cooper designed a number of logos, pamphlets, and books. This series contains her work as it was in process, including the famed MIT Press logo.
Business Papers Sub-Series Arranged alphabetically Materials in this sub-series are administrative in nature relating to Cooper’s work as a freelance designer, including correspondence, contracts, and self-promotional materials.
Financial Records Sub-Series Arranged by record type, then chronologically
MIT Press Series Book Jackets Sub-Series Arranged chronologically This sub-series contains book jackets designed by Muriel R. Cooper during her tenure with the MIT Press. Many items listed (noted by [COL#] in the record) were once on loan at Columbia for their exhibition on Muriel Cooper in 2014. Books jackets that are not small enough to fit in folders may be found in the oversize collection.
Administrative Files Original Order maintained where possible The contents of Muriel R. Cooper’s file cabinets and desks relating to her career with the MIT Press can be found in this sub-series. Much of this part of the collection is available as Cooper had organized it. Files include notes, correspondence, MIT Press catalogs, MIT Summer Session flyers, and more.
Visual Language Workshop Series Teaching Materials/Student Work Sub-Series Arranged by course, then chronologically This sub-series contains course preparation materials from course instructors for the Visible Language Workshop, as well as student projects for a number of the courses taught. Courses include Creative Seeing, Messages and Means, and Typographics.
Research Sub-Series Arranged chronologically This sub-series contains materials related to research conducted by faculty and staff of the VLW as part of their work with the program. Files include funding proposals, an NEA grant application, and pre-prints of publications by VLW faculty and researchers.
Creation and Administration Subseries Arranged chronologically This subseries contains materials relating to the creation and day-to-day operation of the VLW.
Early Design Courses Arranged chronologically This series contains files relating to a small number of design courses taught by Cooper before the founding of the VLW.
Personal Items Arranged topically, then chronologically This series contains personal items relating to Muriel R. Cooper’s life and interests. In this part of the collection, a significant collection of handwritten recipe cards and artistic correspondence from Muriel’s friends can be found.
Artwork This small series contains Muriel’s personal artwork. Included are sketchbooks and paintings.
Memorials Arranged by event This series contains materials relating to various memorial events held in Muriel R. Cooper’s honor after her death.
Dates
- 1948-1996
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research. Restricted Fragile Material may only be consulted with permission of the archivist. Preservation photocopies for reference use have been substituted in the main files.
Extent
From the File: 50 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
From the File: English
Repository Details
Part of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design Archive Repository