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Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Joe Caroff obituary: Graphic designer behind 007 James Bond logo
Sitting in his New York studio in 1962, Joe Caroff was hit with a moment of inspiration. He had been paid $300 to come up with a letterhead logo for a low-budget, mildly anticipated spy film called Dr No. Unimpressed by the hero's stocky Walther PPK, he instead sketched a daintier weapon and the James Bond insignia was born. 'That was a totally spontaneous piece of creativity. I simply sat at my desk and wrote 007 on a piece of paper,' he remembered. 'The minute I wrote the seven, especially on the downstroke, I just somehow immediately saw that as the handle of a gun. Adding the barrel and the trigger was virtually nothing.' More than half a century later, the symbol remains synonymous with Britain's most thrilling cultural export, but Caroff, who sold the design without retaining any rights, never saw the dividends. He was not credited in the film and, until recently, little known. Though the designer was unshaken by his near-miss with fame and his company thrived, his wife was stirred by his uncredited success: 'We would have been rich,' she lamented. Joseph Caroff was born in Linden, New Jersey, in 1921 to Fanny (née Sack) and Julius Caroff, Jewish immigrants from Babruysk, modern-day Belarus. His father was a painter and his mother took care of Joe and his five siblings. Aged four, he began to show creative flair when he used a friend's watercolour set to redecorate his white summer suit. Caroff attended the Newark Public School of Fine and Industrial Arts and later majored in advertising design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Caroff also became the right-hand man of Jean Carlu, a French designer who had lost an arm in a Parisian trolley accident, for his Second World War propaganda posters. He graduated in 1942 but, five days after marrying his girlfriend Phyllis (née Friedman), he was drafted into the army air force and sent to RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire. There Caroff painted pin-up girls onto B-17 bombers and helped drop the very posters he had designed onto occupied Europe. After a brief stint in north Africa he was honorably discharged and joined a New York design firm but soon left to freelance book jackets. His break came in 1948 when Norman Mailer recruited him to design his debut novel The Naked and the Dead. The black and red cover was the only piece Caroff signed and it landed him the Bond contract. Caroff ended up working on more than 300 film campaigns. His first was West Side Story (1961): he used the rugged title font as a terrace wall and drew Maria and Tony dancing on the fire escape. His lack of self-promotion, however, meant Saul Bass was often mistakenly credited for the piece. He founded the agency J Caroff Associates in Manhattan in 1965. His most notable pieces of that period included the posters for Cabaret (1972), Rollerball (1975) and Death of a Salesman (1985). He dabbled especially in creative fonts — The Great Train Robbery (1978) was spelt out in the shape of the locomotive, the letters of Manhattan (1979) depicted the New York skyline and Last Tango in Paris (1972) had an entire typeface designed in homage. Some designs he regretted. At the urging of a producer, the poster for the erotic thriller Tattoo (1981) featured a naked woman tied at the ankles. The film did not merit much critical acclaim — The Times lambasted it for 'creeping morbidity' — and outraged protesters ripped his art from billboards. Different film-makers wanted different things. Woody Allen would walk in, look at six options, point at one and leave without saying a word, Caroff said. One time his team mocked up a joke flyer that declared: 'Prunes, the most moving picture since Bananas'. Allen did not even smirk. Martin Scorsese, on the other hand, was full of ideas for the promotion of The Last Temptation of Christ (1988). 'I listened to him and listened to him, and he didn't have the visual gift of seeing it differently,' Caroff said. He instead used a thicket of thorns silhouetted on a blood-red background. Scorsese loved it so much he incorporated it into the film's opening. During his long career, he also worked on the logo for Olympic coverage by ABC News, the poster for the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night (1964) and the Orion Pictures title sequence. He only retired in his eighties. Caroff always viewed himself as a creative mercenary and he never kept his designs although decades on, many of his originals would have been sold for many times the commission fee. Caroff had two sons, Peter and Michael. He spent the twilight of his career on fine art and philanthropy. A portion of his art sales went to a children's medical research hospital and he set up a scholarship for social care students at Hunter College, where his wife was an emeritus professor. She died in February, aged 100, after 81 years of marriage. Only at the end of his career did his impact on mid-century art begin to be recognised. On his 100th birthday he was sent a 007-engraved Omega watch by the Bond producers and in 2022 the documentary By Design: The Joe Caroff Story was televised. Doubtless he would have been recognised far sooner had he imitated his spy muse and signed his work: 'The name's Caroff. Joe Caroff'. Joe Caroff, designer and artist, was born on August 18, 1921. He died on August 17, 2025, aged 103
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
UK's oldest museum reveals new £11.6million redevelopment plan
Plus, a Sun reporter headed to London's newest immersive attraction designed for selfie-loving tourists OUT WITH THE OLD OUT WITH THE OLD UK's oldest museum reveals new £11.6million redevelopment plan Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FREE to visit museum that claims to be the oldest in the UK has revealed what to expect ahead of it's multi-million pound makeover. The Royal Armouries - which is home to the national collection of arms and armour - in Leeds, has secured a government loan to purchase the land it stands on. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Royal Armouries has received £11.6million in funding to help with redevelopment Credit: Getty 4 The director of the museum claims it is the oldest in the world Credit: Alamy According to the BBC, the director of the museum Nat Edwards said: "We pride ourselves on being the world's oldest museum. "We've been around since at least the early 14th Century, but for most of our history it was sitting in the Tower of London "This is the first time in 702 years that we've owned our own home." The Royal Armouries moved from London to Leeds in the 1990s as part of a project to regenerate what was a "pretty grim, post industrial" part of the city. The museum is publicly-owned and free to visit and includes items from around the world such as Henry VIII's armour and James Bond's Walther PPK. Mr Edwards added that as well as securing a home for the different historical exhibits, the deal would also protect the museum's future. Part of the future plans for the site include the development of the tityard site - which is used for jousting matches and displays - into a multipurpose riverside arts, events and conference space. The museum is also planning to refurbish its exhibition galleries, which includes adding digital technology. Plans include immersive spaces to help improve educational experiences too. Mr Edwards suggest that this space could see the recreation of a battlefield experience - bringing the history to life. Science and Industry museum manchester 4 The museum hopes to add modern technology throughout the museum Credit: Royal Armouries Museum In addition, the wider site that the museum acquired around Leeds Dock is also been looked at for new housing developments. Mr Edwards shared shared that the museum is keen to support wider housing development in the south side of Leeds, but thinks that the area around the Armouries is "such an important public space". The Royal Armouries also works with the Ministry of Defence to help new recruits into the army better understand the realities of war. And the museum works with the Border Force, the police and various other intelligence services - some of which involves training AI systems to detect weapons in suitcases and working with the police to limit the effects of 3D printed weapons. Mr Edwards shared that the key to the museum's success was developing these partnerships and creating spaces and tools to tell the stories of human conflict. The museum's collection includes items which detail British colonial history in East Africa, for example. Last year, one of the UK's biggest free attractions revealed more plans for its massive £1billion revamp. Plus, a Sun reporter headed to London's newest immersive attraction designed for selfie-loving tourists.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
UK's oldest museum reveals new £11.6million redevelopment plan
A FREE to visit museum that claims to be the oldest in the UK has revealed what to expect ahead of it's multi-million pound makeover. The Royal Armouries - which is home to the national collection of arms and armour - in Leeds, has secured a government loan to purchase the land it stands on. Advertisement 4 The Royal Armouries has received £11.6million in funding to help with redevelopment Credit: Getty 4 The director of the museum claims it is the oldest in the world Credit: Alamy According to the pride ourselves on being the world's oldest museum. "We've been around since at least the early 14th Century, but for most of our history it was sitting in the Tower of London "This is the first time in 702 years that we've owned our own home." The Royal Armouries moved from London to Leeds in the 1990s as part of a project to regenerate what was a "pretty grim, post industrial" part of the city. Advertisement Read more on museums The museum is publicly-owned and free to visit and includes items from around the world such as Henry VIII's armour and James Bond's Walther PPK. Mr Edwards added that as well as securing a home for the different future . Part of the future plans for the site include the development of the tityard site - which is used for jousting matches and displays - into a multipurpose riverside arts, The museum is also planning to refurbish its exhibition galleries, which includes adding digital technology . Advertisement Most read in News Travel Plans include immersive spaces to help improve educational experiences too. Mr Edwards suggest that this space could see the recreation of a battlefield experience - bringing the history to life. Science and Industry museum manchester 4 The museum hopes to add modern technology throughout the museum Credit: Royal Armouries Museum In addition, the wider site that the museum acquired around Leeds Dock is also been looked at for new housing developments. Advertisement Mr Edwards shared shared that the museum is keen to support wider housing development in the south side of Leeds, but thinks that the area around the Armouries is "such an important public space". The Royal Armouries also works with the Ministry of Defence to help new recruits into the army better understand the realities of war. And the museum works with the Border Force, the police and various other intelligence services - some of which involves training AI systems to detect weapons in suitcases and working with the police to limit the effects of 3D printed weapons. Mr Edwards shared that the key to the museum's success was developing these partnerships and creating spaces and tools to tell the stories of human conflict. Advertisement The museum's collection includes items which detail British colonial history in East Africa, for example. Last year, Plus, a Sun reporter headed to 4 There could also be immersive experiences that bring history to life Credit: Royal Armouries Advertisement
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Everything we know about the newly announced James Bond game 007 First Light
(Image via IO Interactive) After years of anticipation, finally, the key details about the upcoming James Bond game 007 First Light have been revealed by IO Interactive. The details promise a fresh take on the legendary spy, allowing the players to witness 007's birth. While a full glimpse will arrive imminently, setting the stage for the bold new chapter, here is all we know about the promised project for now. 007 First Light official reveal and first look confirmed IO Interactive has finally pulled back the curtain and named the long-awaited project 007 First Light. The teaser image revealed the shadowy figure, which is presumed to be Bond, holding the Walther PPK, hinting at the grittier and much more tactical take on the character. Additionally, the Earn The Number tagline further reinforces the angle of the origin story and Bond's early career, where the players will expectedly witness Bond rising to become the 00 agent and getting a license to kill. While the game's official description confirms the original Bond origin story, there is expected to be no rehashing of the existing films. Instead, there will be a fresh narrative and quite possibly a setup of a trilogy. The full reveal of the game is expected during the Summer Game Fest, featuring some never-before-seen gameplay and interesting insights into the Bond era. Beyond that, IO has also confirmed that the game will use a powerful Glacier Engine. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cặp EUR/USD: Đà Tăng? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo It is also confirmed for release on Nintendo Switch 2, right alongside its launches on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Potential gameplay story details and more While the specific mechanics are under wraps, Earn The Number premise does offer some strong clues. Fans can expect the narrative-driven experience—the transformation of Bond into the deadliest agent of MI6. The expertise of IO Interactive with First Light and Hitman suggests that the game would likely emphasize strategic takedowns, stealth, and open-ended mission designs. However, the signature action of Bond—explosive shootouts, espionage, and high-speed chases expectedly will also play an important role, taking players to navigate the high-stakes mission that needs resourcefulness, lethal precision, and a bit of cunning. CEO Hakan Abrak emphasized that Bond is ' built from the ground up for gamers " and is designed for the players to call their own and even grow with them. Such emphasis on the original narrative will allow IO Interactive creative freedom while navigating the core tenets of Bond-exotic locations, formidable villains, high-octane set pieces, and more. The Glacier Engine further promises a visually immersive experience. 007 First Light developmental journey and ambitions ahead The game was announced back in late 2020. It was originally revealed under the codename Project 007, and the details have remained scarce for years. IO Interactive steadily built the needed anticipation by confirming some key hires like Rodrigo Santoro, the former Ubisoft veteran, as their Missions Director. The studio consistently emphasized its commitment to crafting the authentic and ground-up Bond experience that's distinct from films. Significantly, IO Interactive envisions 007 First Light as the launchpad for the potential trilogy. Abrak explicitly stated that he hopes the origin story can blossom in the major saga. While the recent acquisition of Bond IP by Amazon MGM Studios adds a new dynamic, IO Interactive seems to be deeply invested in establishing the definitive version of 007 for the gaming world. Currently, the imminent reveal marks the true beginning of the ambitious mission.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Is Champagne in France worth visiting? Why the region is more accessible than ever
Bollinger's Barrel Masters Not all Champagne houses had the advantage of ready-made cellars. Bollinger, for example, stores its bottles (12 million at any one time) in purpose-built cellars beneath the village of Aÿ-Champagne. During a tour, I learn Bollinger also owns a forest, which is handy for the coopers: craftsmen and women tasked with making and maintaining Bollinger's Champagne barrels. Becoming a cooper takes two years of training – the same time it takes to train as a remueur, the person tasked with hand-turning Champagne bottles so the lees (sediment formed by fermentation) collects at the bottle's neck, before being disgorged. Most Champagne houses rely on machines to turn most of their bottles, although most hand-turn a small percentage, including rare vintages. A good remueur turns 50,000 bottles a day. Occasionally, guides ask me not to photograph bottle racks because of coded information scrawled on chalkboards by cellarmasters, and flash photography is generally forbidden to avoid disturbing the fermentation process. Finding the fine line between welcoming visitors and protecting their biggest asset isn't easy for Champagne houses, although they're certainly becoming more accessible. At Bollinger, where our guide points to a construction site set to become a Bollinger hotel, I spot a rare vintage, which hints at how certain houses are attracting new audiences. The La Grande Annee James Bond 007 Silencer Edition 2002 is part of Bollinger's lucrative collaboration with the James Bond franchise – a bottle of Champagne tucked inside a case resembling the silencer of a Walther PPK (Bond's preferred weapon), which only opens once you've cracked the combination code (it's 007, unsurprisingly). Boutiques for bubbly lovers And if you can't stretch to a limited-edition jeroboam of vintage fizz from your favourite Champagne house or don't have time for the tour? Head to its gift shop instead. At Veuve Clicquot's boutique, near a sunshine-yellow Veuve Clicquot table football and a chandelier made from Champagne glasses, there are Veuve Clicquot Wellington boots and stacks of Veuve Clicquot post-its (a steal at just $28). In Ruinart's shop, my favourite items include beautiful vases made from old Champagne bottles. And in local supermarkets such as Carrefour, I find entire sections – not simply a couple of rows – dedicated to Champagne. A bottle of Veuve Clicquot costs just $64 (in New Zealand, you'll struggle to find one for less than $99), while lesser-known brands cost as little as $35. Tradition Meets Modern Art in Pommery Pommery is another Champagne house that has thrown out the rulebook while still honouring its past. At its Reims headquarters, I find a beautifully preserved tangle of neo-Gothic, mid-19th-century buildings that now includes a museum and below ground, in the 18km network of cellars, I find countless pieces of modern art alongside reminders of its past, including a fencing mask hanging on the wall. In the 1800s, Champagne bottles would explode so often that cellar workers donned facial protection and around% of any Champagne house's stock would be lost this way. Later, my guide points to the curved roof of a cellar and the remains of a rusty metal track, a remnant from when bottles were placed in baskets and carried to the surface via rails. Today, electric buggies are cellar workers' vehicles of choice. Taittinger's sacred foundations One of the most fascinating cellar tours is at Taittinger. Its headquarters are located at the site of Reims' former Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, built in the 1200s. The Roman-era tunnels beneath the abbey were nothing unusual, although it was the way they were used that set them apart. Benedictine monks used them to get to nearby religious sites, such as the Basilica of Saint-Remi, which was built in 1005 and still stands proud today. More recent visitors who left their mark include Private Debelfort, an infantryman who spent much of World War I constructing shelters and scratched his signature into the tunnel walls. Country charm and champagne hotels Beyond Reims, a meandering tangle of country lanes weaves through pretty villages with Champagne bars wedged between patisseries and the local stores, and past tiny cottages with personal vineyards instead of gardens. Vineyards blanket the rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, with growing areas divided into cru, premier cru and grand cru, depending on grape quality (grand cru vineyards produce the finest fizz). My chosen base offers another reminder of the region's ability to move with the times. The ultra-modern Loisium Champagne Hotel might not have turrets and towers seen on more traditional vineyard hotels, but its minimalist, low-slung design allows it to blend in with the rows of vines it's surrounded by. Inside, I find vast expanses of black marble, beautiful oak walls and bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows next to seating areas with built-in Champagne bucket holders. Épernay's sparkling legacy It's just a short drive from Épernay, the self-titled capital of Champagne (although I suspect Reims would disagree), which, in 2025, celebrates 100 years since its main artery was renamed Avenue de Champagne to honour the growing number of Champagne houses that popped up in the early 1900s. This historic avenue's current tenants include Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Pol Roger, and their eye-wateringly opulent headquarters have been carefully preserved. Almost all of them are fronted by ornate gardens and when I visit, the majority are filled with visitors working their way through taster flights of Champagne before embarking on cellar tours. Moët's luxe experience Moët & Chandon has one of the swankiest set-ups of any Épernay Champagne house – a Versailles-like complex where highlights include a boutique in which the most sought-after items appear to be the limited-edition Champagne created in conjunction with Pharrell Williams and a Nez to Vin aroma kit. Containing 54 tiny, cork-stopped bottles of liquid aromas (everything from leather and hay to melon and muscat), it's designed for those keen to learn about Champagne's different aroma notes. The cost? Just $604. At which point I'll remind you: Veuve Clicquot sells some rather lovely post-its for just $28…
