Danish Record Sleeves
(with at least one Swedish)
Danske 78er Pladomslag
1930s thru early 1950’s
Beginning in the 1930s, Danish businesses selling 78 rpm records often began substituting attractive, protective cardboard record sleeves, replacing the cheap paper sleeves the record companies initially used. It was an attractive way to provide advertising opportunities. The Danes were not the only ones to seize upon such a promotional venture, but they were the best in design-work.
In fact, the cardboard sleeve may have originated in England. In England and other European countries—and even occasionally in the United States—record-selling businesses advertised on cardboard sleeves using a utilitarian design. But in Denmark these cardboard sleeves were designed with an eye-catching, artistic flair. By the late 1930s Danish designers were incorporating both Art Deco lettering and design elements. These designers often adopted an advertising strategy that “less is more.” Colored cardboard and bold ink colors were used.
As the Art Deco design trend began to wane in the the 1950s, other contemporary design styles were substituted. Many of these Danish cardboard sleeves are mini works of art. See for yourself.
Many thanks to Peter Poulsen, a record dealer in Denmark, for his advice and assistance in putting together this wonderful collection of Danish cardboard sleeves for 78 rpm records.
Click on image to enlarge.
Note: All record sleeves are from the Bowman collection.
