Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/exhibitions/2318807647/

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

Symbols are important communication tools in our daily lives, constantly evolving based on new needs and users. Symbols have the power to instruct, protect, entertain, connect, and even divide us. They formed some of the first written human expressions and today animate our digital chats. From 1969 to 1972, the visionary designer Henry Dreyfuss (American, 1904–1972) oversaw the making of the Symbol Sourcebook: An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols, a manual that compiled and categorized thousands of symbols in use internationally. The publication was celebrated as an "event with worldwide ramifications, very much in keeping with the man who created it—a man who not only sees change coming, but helps to usher it in." Dreyfuss understood how symbols functioned for people. He and his industrial design team placed symbols on products and services where we now take them for granted—on airplanes, cameras, telephones, tractors, and more. Anticipating the everyday use of symbols in our current digital era, the Symbol Sourcebook helped to elevate the importance of symbols and increase their number in our world. Though it was published over 50 years ago, the Symbol Sourcebook is still used by designers today. The origin story of the Symbol Sourcebook—told for the first time here through primary materials from Cooper Hewitt’s Henry Dreyfuss Archive—has inspired us to look at symbols now and explore their evolution and future.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807722/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807728/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates
  • collage and photomechanical print on illustration board
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807681/

  • collage on grey wove paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807674/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807724/

  • metal, paint
  • Exhibition purchase

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807430/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss
  • bound volume with color illustrations
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807448/

  • bound volume with color illustrations
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807449/

  • print on glossy paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807730/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates
  • photomechanical print on illustration board
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807702/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807687/

  • diazoprint with printed card
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18478665/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss
  • Manufactured by John Deere
  • abs plastic
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18478667/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss
  • abs plastic
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18478671/

  • abs plastic
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18478679/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates
  • abs plastic
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807656/

  • 35mm slide
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807657/

  • 35mm slide
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807720/

  • silkscreen
  • Center for the Study of Political Graphics, 1992-072; Courtesy of the Center for the Study of Political Graphics

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807718/

  • photograph
  • Courtesy of Lorie Shaull, licensed under CC by 2.0

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807423/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807424/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807425/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807426/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807427/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807428/

  • ink on paper, metal, plastic
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807688/

  • video

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807714/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807715/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807716/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807699/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807696/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807709/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807649/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807650/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807651/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807652/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807685/

  • Designed by Paul Clifton
  • collage, marker, and ink on illustration board
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318805866/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss
  • ink and collage on posterboard, adhesive tape, glue
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807683/

  • print on metallic-coated paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807732/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates
  • pint on paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807679/

  • photomechanical print on paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807675/

  • photograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807690/

  • digital

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807691/

  • video
  • Courtesy of Madeleine Moore-Burrell

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807700/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807703/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807658/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807659/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807660/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807661/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807662/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807705/

  • lithograph
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807706/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807707/

  • Designed by Golan Levin
  • digital
  • File in public domain / Courtesy of F.A.T. Lab; Graphic design by Studio Matthews

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807704/

  • Designed by Golan Levin
  • digital print
  • File in public domain/Courtesy of F.A.T. Lab

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807429/

  • Designed by Henry Dreyfuss
  • lithograph on folded paper
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1158864541/

  • Designed by Tim Ferguson-Sauder
  • image (computer generated)
  • File in public domain, collected by Cooper Hewitt in collaboration with the designers

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807670/

  • photograph
  • Photo by Bill Hand, New Bern Sun Journal; Courtesy of The Accessible Icon Project

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807671/

  • Designed by Tim Ferguson-Sauder
  • reproduction
  • Courtesy of The Accessible Icon Project

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807672/

  • photograph
  • Photo by Brian Funck Courtesy of The Accessible Icon Project

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807673/

  • Designed by Tim Ferguson-Sauder
  • digital print
  • Courtesy of Tim Ferguson-Sauder

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807695/

  • print on paper
  • Henry Dreyfuss Archive

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807719/

  • photograph
  • Courtesy of Sara Hendren and Brian Glenney

This object is currently on display in room 107 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/68833531/

  • screenprint on paper
  • Museum purchase from the Members' Acquisitions Fund of Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
  • graphic design
  • political
  • propaganda
  • political poster
  • graphic designers
  • hand
  • protest
  • amplify

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807666/

  • Designed by Ralph Chaplin
  • lithograph
  • Public domain, via Internet Archive

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807667/

  • photograph
  • Abaca Press / Alamy Stock Photo

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807668/

  • Designed by Deva Pardue
  • digital print
  • Courtesy of Deva Pardue

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807421/

  • offset lithograph
  • Exhibition purchase

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807694/

  • Designed by Asla Perez
  • offset lithograph
  • Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, DC 20540 USA

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807710/

  • photograph
  • Courtesy Lorie Shaull, licensed under CC by 2.0

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807717/

  • photograph
  • Dan Wynn Archive and Farmani Group, Co LTD

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807721/

  • Designed by Julian Grüneberg
  • digital
  • Licensed under CC by 4.0

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807725/

  • photograph
  • Licensed under CC by 2.0

This object is currently on display in room 105 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807726/

  • Designed by Keith Tyler
  • digital
  • Public Domain

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318803432/

  • images (computer generated)
  • Gift of Emojination

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318803431/

  • images (computer generated)
  • Gift of Emojination

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807654/

  • Designed by Andy Mason
  • digital
  • Courtesy of Andy Mason

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807692/

  • video

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807698/

  • Designed by Marina Zurkow
  • png files
  • Courtesy of Climoji

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.

Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols

https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807708/

  • Designed by Marina Zurkow
  • png files
  • Courtesy of Climoji

This object is currently on display in room 108 in Carnegie Mansion.