Design Without Compromise: Creating Books in a Digital World

How can the rich and varied life’s work of one of the Netherlands’ most famous graphic designers be condensed into a book? For the launch of Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design, the book’s publisher and creators will talk about the editorial and design process.

Gert Dumbar
Gert Dumbar (b.1940) is one of the most colourful and influential graphic designers in the Netherlands and beyond. As a young partner at Tel Design, he designed iconic symbols for public spaces, such as the NS logo. He later set up his own bureau, Studio Dumbar, and produced a huge amount of work for a wide range of clients, from avant-garde theatres to the government, and from hospitals to multinationals. With more than its fair share of admirers and critics, (Studio) Dumbar’s work has left a lasting mark on visual culture, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design
Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design examines Dumbar’s multifaceted work in the context of its time and explores the different roles he played: artist, provocateur, ‘design director’, student, teacher, cultural initiator and mediator. The book reveals Dumbar’s independence, flexibility and ability to attract young designers and repeatedly inspire others to think outside the box.

Programme

• 19:00–19:10 Welcome and introduction by the Nieuwe Instituut and Valiz
• 19:10–19:30 Talk by author/editor Max Bruinsma: Developing, editing and weeding: How to transform a ‘mer à boire’ of Dumbar material into a coherent narrative
• 19:30–20:00 Talk by Renate Boere and Giang Nguyen, designers of the book: Portraying a maverick: On making a book about Gert Dumbar
• 20:00–20:30 Discussion with the audience

Make your evening complete!
Combine this event with a visit to our exhibitions – admission to the museum is free on Thursday evenings. Fancy a bite to eat? Join us in the Nieuwe Café!