UN/SEEN—Women: an archival publication rewriting the narrative of early graphic design
a Revised history of early graphic design through women’s work
UN/SEEN presents a research-driven publication focusing on women’s contributions to early graphic design practices up to the Bauhaus period. Edited and published by Slanted Publishers, the book compiles previously underrepresented material related to female designers working across book design, poster design, typography, illustration, and packaging.
Structured in ten chapters, the publication draws on recent research findings and a wide range of historical examples to document the professional roles and design output of early women practitioners in the field. The material highlights how these designers operated within and contributed to the development of modern graphic design disciplines, often without receiving proportional historical recognition.
all images courtesy of Slanted Publishers
UN/SEEN builds a parallel archive of graphic design practice
The publication engages with established design histories by re-examining dominant narratives and the frameworks through which graphic design has traditionally been documented. In doing so, it situates women designers as active contributors to foundational visual languages and professional practices that continue to inform contemporary discourse.
Alongside the book, the project is extended through the online platform UN/SEEN—Women Design, which gathers ongoing research and additional archival material. The publication is available in English and German editions.
UN/SEEN focuses on women’s contributions to early graphic design up to the Bauhaus period
the research addresses gaps in established design historiography
female designers are highlighted across book design, poster design, and typography
previously underrepresented archival material forms the basis of the book
the publication is structured into ten thematic chapters
each chapter draws on recent research findings in design history
historical examples document early women practitioners in graphic design
historical recognition of women designers is critically reassessed
dominant narratives of graphic design history are re-examined
women designers are situated as active contributors to visual culture
the publication is edited and published by Slanted Publishers
project info:
name: UN/SEEN—Women in Graphic Design up to the Bauhaus
publisher: Slanted Publishers | @slanted_publishers
editors: Petra Eisele, Isabel Naegele
foreword: Ellen Lupton
authors: Brigitte Baumstark, Friederike Berger, Julia Blume, Gerda Breuer, Petra Eisele, Aliena Guggenberger, Jana Haase, Antje Kalcher, Julia Meer, Julia Mummenhoff, Isabel Naegele, Julia Neller, Antje Neumann, Bettina Richter, Julia Rinck, Kerstin Stöver, Ute Thomas, Christina Thomson, Sabine Wieber
design: Julia Neller
release: June 2026
format: 18.4 × 26 cm
volume: 422 pages
language: English, German
printing: full color offset printing
paper: Arena Rough 120 g/sm, Fedrigoni
bookbinding: Hardcover with lenticular foil, thread stitching
ISBN: 978-3-69202-002-0 (EN), 978-3-69202-001-3 (DE)
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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