First published in 1961, the Carols for Choirs series has for many singers become synonymous with the Christmas season, used in festive concerts and services across the world. While many things have changed since that first edition, one thing has remained constant: the illustrated angel on the cover. We did some investigating in the archives recently to uncover the history of the Carols for Choirs angel, looking at how it came about and how it has evolved over the past 60 years.
1987: 100 carols for choirs
When 100 Carols for Choirs was released in 1987, it featured the same new branding with the OUP crest and angel illustration in the bottom corners. This was also the point at which the OUP branded carry cases were created, for sets of 10 books—an early sketch of the design for this can be found in the archives, including the “angels” in the bottom left and right-hand corners.
You left ‘u’ out of ‘buy’. Above, and to the left.