Milton Glaser (American, 1929–2020), Branding for
Poppy Records

Poster: From Poppy with Love, 1967
Lithograph, 36 x 24” (91.5 x 61 cm)

Among graphic designer Milton Glaser’s many clients was the unconventional Poppy Records. The company was founded by producer Kevin Eggers, with whom Glaser had a long professional relationship. Originally the experimental music label of MGM records, by the late 1960s the label became independent. Glaser, well-known for his portrayals of performers such as Bob Dylan (1966) and Mahalia Jackson (1967), created the iconic poppy motif and produced several distinctive posters for the label such as those shown here. Among the many artists signed to Poppy was comedian and activist Dick Gregory (shown below). By 1975, Poppy ceased to exist and Eggers started the record label Utopia, for which Glaser also produced work.

Left: Poster: Poppy Gives Thanks, 1968
Lithograph, 37 1/4 x 24 1/4” (95 x 61.5 cm)
Right: Flyer: Poppy Gives Thanks, [1968]
Lithograph, 9 x 6" (23 x 15 cm)

Poster: Dick Gregory on Poppy, 1969
Lithograph, 36 x 24” (91.5 x 61 cm)

Poppy Records stationery, 1967–69
Each: Lithograph
Envelope: 3 7/8 x 8 7/8" (10 x 22.5 cm)
Letterhead: 11 x 8 1/2" (28 x 21.5 cm)
Label: 5 3/4 x 4" (14.5 x 10 cm)

July 30, 2024