Prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of crisp packet design! From the iconic Chipsticks to the quirky Frazzles and even the hedgehog-themed treats, we're diving into a world of salty, crunchy delights that will leave you craving more.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a smoky spider-flavored Monster Munch or indulging in a crisp celebration of Bovril, inspired by the release of Back to the Future. And let's not forget the unique hedgehog flavor or the Wallace and Gromit corn snack, capturing the essence of moon cheese from their grand adventure.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000, a comprehensive 140-page book, takes us on a trip down memory lane. It showcases a diverse range of crisp packets, from well-loved classics like Chipsticks and Frazzles to the lesser-known and rare finds. Imagine reliving your childhood favorites and discovering new, intriguing flavors and designs.
Among the treasures, you'll find Dennis the Menace-themed bacon and baked bean crisps, Golden Wonder's roast turkey and stuffing delight, and the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog salt and vinegar sensation. But that's not all; regional brands from Penryn, Blackpool, and Wigan make an appearance, alongside special editions inspired by TV and film icons like the Spice Girls, Thunderbirds, and Jurassic Park.
This eclectic collection is the brainchild of Chris Packet, a 43-year-old artist with an impressive archive. The designs range from simple to genius, with a touch of the bizarre. From union jack-clad cheese and onion packets commemorating the royal wedding to innuendo-filled comic strips reminiscent of cheeky seaside postcards, each crisp packet tells a story.
But it's not just about the flavors; the artwork, lettering, illustrations, and cartoons are equally captivating. An early Discos packet, with its wavy lines and sharp design, is as captivating as a record sleeve. And then there's the geometrically impossible shape of Odduns, a cheeseburger-flavored snack, which evokes the iconic Pink Floyd album cover.
The story of this collection began serendipitously in 2018, when Packet stumbled upon a discarded Space Raiders packet in a London train tunnel. The vibrant colors and Alien-like figure caught his eye, leading him on a quest to uncover more of these hidden gems.
Packet, now based in Athens, scoured the internet and reached out to collectors and friends, amassing a diverse range of crisp packets. From classic Smiths Salt'n'Shake bags to tomato-flavored Quavers from 1996, each packet holds a piece of history and evokes strong memories.
"My criteria is the artwork," Packet explains. "As someone with a graffiti and art background, I appreciate the design elements. It's about the lettering, the illustrations, and the cartoon characters." He highlights the original Space Raiders packet designed by Brett Ewins, a renowned comic book artist, contrasting it with the modern version.
Packet's book aims to preserve a golden era of crisp packet design. "After 2000, something was lost," he says. "The shift to 3D, computer-aided designs lacks the charm and character of hand-drawn illustrations."
Annebella Pollen, Professor of Visual and Material Culture at the University of Brighton, provides a thought-provoking foreword. She describes the crisp packets as "cultural detritus" that offer an alternative history. The professor's introduction delves into gender representation, the loss of regional independent companies, and the ban on crisps in schools as part of the fight against childhood obesity.
"These crisp packets are a part of children's culture," Pollen explains. "There was a strategic move to make crisps more appealing to kids, moving beyond their association with adult men in pubs."
Crisp nostalgia, according to Pollen, resonates deeply with people for nuanced reasons. "It reminds them of those moments of autonomy as kids, whether it's choosing what goes in their lunch box or spending their first 10p. These empty packets are filled with memories."
So, join us on this journey through the fascinating world of crisp packet design, where flavors, artwork, and memories collide.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000 is available from Sports Banger (https://sportsbanger.com/products/u-k-crisp-packets-book) and you can follow Chris Packet's journey on @chris___packet.
