Patricia Ziegler Covers 1981-1983

Dr Livingstone, I presume….The zebra appears in a number of early catalogs as an unofficial mascot called “Livingstone”. Animals would always figure into the catalogs, most memorably for me the Old English Engravings T-Shirts, but nothing with this kind of personality.

This second batch of duotone covers from early Banana Republic are all by BR co-founder Patricia Ziegler.

The animal spots make a return for the 1981 Gift Catalog. What really stands out there is the appearance of the 2nd BR store ever–the San Francisco location at Polk and Green. I visited this store in the late 80s when I worked in a Polk Street coffee shop as an art student.

The Spring 1981 cover has all the classic elements of Zieglers on safari: The typewriter, the camera, a bottle of champagne. What’s fairly unique is that we see the Zieglers themselves…these scenes are rarely populated with actual people, we usually only see evidence of their lives. I like the sketchbook quality of this cover.

The Zebra portrait for Summer 1981 is very engaging. Animals would always figure into the catalogs, most memorably for me the Old English Engravings T-Shirts, but nothing with this kind of personality.

I thought I recognized the 1982 Gift Catalog cover, but had to double check. Indeed, it made a return appearance on the 1984 Holiday catalog–fully colored–but the same drawing no mistaking it. Again, my only experience up until now was the familiar post-1984 full color catalog so it’s a fascinating discovery to see these at last. Thanks to BR artist Kevin Sarkki for providing these scans.

Another graphic animal print.  Note that store #2 in San Francisco is now open.

The Spring 1981 cover has all the classic elements of Zieglers on safari. I like the sketchbook quality of this one. 

   This 1982 Gift Catalog cover made a return appearance fully colored on the 1984 Holiday catalog. Note again Livingstone the Zebra with his bowl of kibble.