Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant Possibly 1934 - 1937

This is the Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant, printed on the 5th of July, 1934. Newspapers like this one were made with a fascinating process, and of course intended to spread the news quickly. Just think about how much work was involved in creating each issue of the paper. Journalists would have gathered information, written stories, and editors would have selected and arranged content. Typesetters would then have painstakingly arranged each letter and image by hand to create printing blocks. Finally, large machines would then transfer the ink to paper. You have to appreciate the labor and skill that went into producing this artifact of everyday life. The design of this newspaper, from its layout to its typography, reflects the values and priorities of the society it served. Considering the labor involved, it becomes clear that what we often consider ephemera can hold substantial cultural value. It challenges us to look beyond traditional categories of fine art, recognizing the artistry and cultural significance embedded in the design and production of mass media.