Inventory of the Champion Papers Imagination Campaign Collection, 1968 – 1987
Descriptive Summary
Abstract: From 1963 to 1986 the Champion Papers company published Imagination, a series of annual promotional brochures of paper samples targeting designers, art directors, and creative printers of the time. Several of the issues were designed by renowned graphic designer James Miho, whose creative direction transformed the brochures into works of art.
The collection includes eight issues from the Imagination series with original envelopes as well as two Champion product brochures.
Title: Champion Papers Imagination Campaign Collection, 1968 – 1987
Creator: Champion Papers Inc.
Repository: Forest History Society Library and Archives
Call Number: 2015-014
Language of Material: Material in English
Extent: 1.5 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Biographical and Historical Note
From 1963 to 1986 the Champion Papers company published Imagination, a series of annual promotional brochures of paper samples targeting designers, art directors, and creative printers of the time. The brochures showcased varied creative uses of paper and were printed on a diverse range of paper grades with various printing and finishing techniques. Each issue had a particular subject which was explored through illustrations, graphics, and historical facts and anecdotes printed on Champion papers. Numerous artists and designers collaborated on each issue.
Several of the issues were designed by Champion Papers Art Director James Miho. Miho, born in California in 1933, served in the Korean War before enrolling at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. After graduating from the Art Center in 1957 he began his career at N.W. Ayer and Son advertising agency in Philadelphia. During the 1960s and 1970s he worked on Container Corporation of America’s well known “Great Ideas of Western Man” campaign with Herbert Bayer and Charles Coiner (and was responsible for introducing Pop art to the series). Miho left Ayer in 1965 and soon began what would be a 22-year relationship with Champion Papers through the agency Needham, Harper and Steers, Inc. Miho designed a wide range of material for Champion, including product promotions and industrial films. He is best known for his concept, design, and creative direction as Art Director for the Imagination series.
Collection Overview
The collection includes eight issues from the Imagination series with original envelopes as well two Champion product brochures.
Collection Arrangement
- Imagination Series Brochures, 1968-1985
- Product Brochures.
Subject Headings
- Advertising — Paper industry — United States
- Champion Papers
- Commercial art
- Forest products industry — United States
- Miho
- Paper — Sample books
- Paper industry — United States
Detailed Description of the Collection
1. Imagination Series Brochures, 1968-1985.
Imagination XII: San Francisco
Published in 1968.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XII, San Francisco.
Imagination XV: Scandinavia
Published in 1971.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XV, Scandinavia.
Imagination XVI: Brazil
Published in 1972.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XVI, Brazil.
Imagination XVII: Australia
Published in 1973.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XVII, Australia.
Imagination XVIII: Hong Kong
Published in 1974.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XVIII, Hong Kong.
Imagination XX: Rivers U.S.A.
Published in 1976.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XX, Rivers U.S.A.
Imagination XXIII: Catalogues
Published in 1980.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XXIII.
Imagination XXV: Fun and Games
Published in 1985.
Cover image of Imagination issue number XXV, Fun and Games.
2. Product Brochures.
Kromekote 2000 Brochure, 1987
A 1987 brochure designed by Miho featuring Kromekote 2000, a cast-coated paper type. The brochure’s theme was the BOC Around-the-World Challenge, an eight month sailing competition that started in 1986.
Cover image of a Champion Papers 1987 Kromekote 2000 product brochure designed by James Miho.
Wedgwood Brochure, undated
A promotional brochure for Wedgwood, a coated paper type produced by Champion. The brochure’s theme centered around images of American Indians photographed by Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952) and photographer John Running (1939-).
Cover image of Champion Wedgwood product brochure.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
The nature of the Forest History Society’s archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Forest History Society claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.
The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Champion Papers Imagination Campaign Collection, Library and Archives, Forest History Society, Durham, NC, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Received from Judith Miho (wife of James Miho) in July 2015. Additional copies received in February 2019.
Processing Information
Processed by Jessamyn Leonard, July 2015.
Encoded by Jessamyn Leonard, July 2015.
