The Isotype influence on the Symbol Sourcebook

This chapter reprises experimental symbol classification methods developed by Marie Neurath and Rudolf Modley for a year-long survey known as the “Preparatory Survey on Communication through Graphic Symbols” from 1958–59 and assesses whether their experiments into classification had been used in the design of the Symbol Sourcebook. The “Preparatory Survey” was instigated by Henry Dreyfuss and financed by the US based Fund for the Advancement of Education. Its aim was to research the feasibility of compiling a symbol dictionary, by collecting and classifying existing graphic signs and symbols to produce a comprehensive reference source. The Isotype Collection (University of Reading) contains correspondence (1956–1960) between M. Neurath and Modley that outlines the aims and objectives behind this project (one of several failed US symbol dictionary schemes between 1948–1960). But correspondence from 1969–1970 between M. Neurath and Paul Clifton (responsible for managing design and production of the Symbol Sourcebook) has recently come to light in the Henry Dreyfuss Archive at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York, evidencing the fact that Clifton asked M. Neurath for information regarding her “experiments” in symbol classification from the “Preparatory Survey” which may have influenced the classification methods used in the Symbol Sourcebook

The Isotype influence on Henry Dreyfuss's Symbol Sourcebook

Dr Wibo Bakker (specialist in pictograms) and Dr Sue Perks (UCA) presented this paper at the ICTVC conference in Thessaloniki in July 2016. The presentation described Marie Neurath and Rudolf Modley’s experimental classification methods which we showed had an influence on classification methods used in the Symbol Sourcebook. The paper assessed the influence of these experiments and made a case for extended commentary on the influence of Isotype on international graphic language into the 1970s