99% Invisible The Dolphin that Roared
Jul 21, 2020
Emily Oberman, a talented graphic designer and daughter of the Anguilla flag's co-designer, shares insights into her family legacy and the island’s rich history. She recounts Anguilla's revolutionary struggle for independence, highlighting the flag's symbolic importance. Kurt Kolstad, digital director and co-author, discusses the upcoming launch of their book on everyday design, revealing behind-the-scenes stories that explore the interplay of aesthetics and culture. Together, they dive into the quirky tale of an upside-down traffic light that became a symbol of community identity.
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The Flag's Legacy
- Emily Oberman's parents were graphic designers, and her father, Marvin, helped design Anguilla's flag.
- Decades later, Emily revisited Anguilla and noticed the flag's colors everywhere, sparking her curiosity.
Neglected Colony
- Anguilla, a tiny Caribbean island, was a British colony largely neglected due to its lack of large-scale agricultural potential.
- Its soil wasn't fertile enough for widespread slave plantations, making it less valuable to the British crown.
Forced Union
- In 1825, Britain grouped Anguilla with St. Kitts and Nevis, creating resentment among Anguillians.
- Anguilla's aid often ended up in St. Kitts, leading to further tension and the eventual Anguillian Revolution.
