Helveticka

Design for a Higher Calling
The Abbey Foundation of Oregon
Annual Reports, 2005 and 2006

LOOKING BACK: Forty miles south of Portland, Mount Angel Abbey is perched atop a lone butte overlooking the Willamette Valley and the town of Mt. Angel, Oregon. The 144-year-old Benedictine monastery and seminary is home to an active community of monks, and they open their world to visitors through a guesthouse, a library designed by world-renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and the new Benedictine Brewery taproom (monks make excellent beer). The Abbey’s financial vitality is supported by its foundation, which seeks funding for special projects and long-term endowments. Annual reports are a tool for fundraising, and these editions provided a performance overview while recognizing donors.

38, 37, 36…
Hecla Mining Company
Annual Company Overview, 2025

LOOKING BACK: Our first annual report for Hecla Mining Company was the 1988 edition. At that time, many graphic designers saw company reports as the top of the print food chain, characterized by healthy budgets, theme-driven content with original imagery, and large runs often produced by out-of-town printers. In fact, some firms specialized exclusively in annual reports. While Hecla’s report has changed over the years (including its name), we are grateful to have produced our 38th consecutive book for our friends in Coeur d’Alene.

Getting Down and Dirty
Hecla Mining Company, 2024

LOOKING BACK: For decades we’ve relied on Jim Van Gundy to capture compelling images for Hecla Mining Company, the largest silver producer in the U.S. and Canada. Shooting above ground is one thing, but descending more than a mile below ground is another entirely. It’s very warm, dark, loud, and dusty. And hard on camera gear. So whenever we travel with Jim to provide art direction, we know he’s game to do whatever it takes to get the best photos possible.