1 Sep 2015
Over the next few weeks we’re going to feature the work of five renowned designers, giving you an introduction to the life and works of the individuals who have helped shape the design world over the last century and inspired the Alan Kitching and Monotype exhibition.
Alan Kitching Collection
Born in Germany in 1914, Frederic Henri Kay Henrion worked in Paris as a textile designer before moving to the UK in 1936 to work on a commission as a poster designer. During World War II, Henrion was employed by the British Ministry of Information and the US Office of War Information. Post-war, he established himself as a poster and exhibition designer, going on to work for companies across Europe and becoming ” the founding father of modern corporate identity in Europe”. Henrion’s work can still be seen today, including logos and identities that he created for KLM, Tate & Lyle and Blue Circle Industries.
Read about the many faces of FHK Henrion over on the Creative Review website.
I would advise young people to look at everything they encounter in a critical light … Then I would urge them at all times to be self-critical.’
The next featured designer from Alan Kitching and Monotype is designer and teacher, Josef Müller-Brockmann.
Alan Kitching Collection
Famed for his instantly recognisable clean-cut designs and use of grid systems, Josef Müller-Brockmann’s work and writing has inspired many throughout the years, including Alan Kitching.
Read an in-depth interview first published in Eye Magazine no. 19 vol 5, 1995, and find out more about the influence of JMB’s work through the accounts of Joanne Meister, a graphic designer who met him whilst studying at University in 1989.
Known for his often playful designs and book covers, Paul Rand was one of the foremost designers in the mid 1900’s. Some of his most famous work (some of which is still used today) includes corporate logo designs for IBM, ABC and UPS. Rand also wrote several books on design theory and lectured at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
As well as designing for several public service agencies and companies such as Guinness, Gillette, KLM and the Post Office, Tom Eckersley also helped to establish the UK’s first undergraduate Graphic Design course in 1945.Take a look through a selection of Eckersley’s poster designs, find out more about his work, and read an interview between Eckersley and Abram Games (another featured Pioneer of the Poster).