Oct 31, 20182 min read

Spinning Wheels, Spinning Round

Volvelles or wheel charts – paper constructions with rotating parts – have their origins in astronomy and science as early as the 15th century.

thecuriousg, volvelles, spinning wheels,

#Wheelcharts, or volvelles (Latin verb, to turn), date back to early astronomy studies of the 15th century. Volvelles were moveable devices, usually concentric circles, used for working out the positions of the sun and moon. Originally made of metal or wood, they were expensive to produce. With the introduction of moveable type and printing processes, the same information could be housed in books and used more widespread. Volvelles are considered the forefathers of computing. Early examples can be seen here.

A 15th century volvelle for determining the position of the sun and moon

By the 20th century, wheel charts were used regularly from the 30s through the 60s in technical and industrial sectors where complicated math was required for production. Wheels charts, aka slide wheels or data wheels, were portable tools for employees to quickly, accurately and consistently calculate formulas. Once printed on card stock or plastic, they were affordable tools to create in bulk for distribution.

As the advertising sector grew in the late 60s and 70s, wheel charts presented ad and promotion opportunities. Agencies adapted the spinning wheels theory to support high-profile client collateral.

As a designer (pre-digital), the proportion scale was my best friend. The incredible imagination and talent put into designing promotional wheels amaze me. Since then, I’ve always loved the vintage wheels and the ideas and uses they generated – for baseball, spirits, geography, statehood, first aid, and even weddings. Wheel charts continue to be developed and serve as brand extensions today.