50s News-Gift Paper: A Nostalgic Connection to Singapore's Past

Reviving the Charm of 1950s Chinatown

Harking back to the days when retailers in Singapore used newspaper to wrap goods, the 50s News-Gift Paper evokes nostalgic memories of those days. The vibrant Chinese typography applied on top of the old newsprint creates an entirely fresh appeal and a gift wrap suitable for any occasion. They can also be displayed as posters.

Selected local Chinese newspapers from 1952 to 1956 were reproduced as the base of this unique gift paper. The paper design is overlaid with big bold Chinese characters that are auspicious in meaning: Fu (luck), Shou (longevity), Cai (wealth), Lu (prosperity) and Fu (fortune), Le (happiness), Ji (auspiciousness), and Xi (double happiness). Each character is printed with one bright Pantone color, such as red, hot pink, or orange.

The 50s News-Gift Paper measures 360mm in width and 580mm in height, resembling the size of a full newspaper spread. This design choice adds to its authenticity and uniqueness. The project faced challenges in convincing clients to print the full newspaper size wrapper, as it is more expensive for production. Additionally, the use of eight Pantone colors further added to the production cost.

By incorporating headline news and top stories from the 1950s, the 50s News-Gift Paper becomes more than just a wrapping paper. It serves as an interesting source of identity, helping the younger generation link the present to the past. Foreigners can also appreciate the meaning of auspicious Chinese words printed on the paper, gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history.

The 50s News-Gift Paper project started in February 2011 in Singapore and was completed in January 2012. Its unique design attracted global interest and was exhibited at the 798 Art Zone in Beijing in 2012. This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2014, recognizing its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness in blending the traditional and the contemporary.

The 50s News-Gift Paper is not just a gift wrap, but a piece of art that captures the essence of Singapore's Chinatown in the 1950s. It allows us to cherish our history and share it with others in a meaningful and visually appealing way.