Pioneer of the Modern Logo: Wilhelm Deffke 1887-1950

2014 | Architecture & Design

Wilhelm Deffke (1887-1950), established the first modern advertising agency in Germany in 1915. Together with his business partner he published an influential book on trademarks and makers' marks, in which they promoted the logo as a basis for all the company's advertising materials. Before his death in 1950, Deffke created more than 10,000 logos that were untypically functional and abstract for their time. Considered one of the pioneers of modern corporate design, he is known as the "Father of the Modern Logo" among design professionals internationally; yet only a fraction of his designs have ever been shown in public. This richly illustrated and comprehensive monograph is the first book to be published about his work as commercial artist, architect, poster and book designer. Fourteen essays present the wide-ranging aspects of Deffke's work in context with 20th-century European design history. More than 500 images, many of them previously unpublished, illustrate his achievements in poster and commercial art. This collection is a long overdue commentary and re-discovery, of an exceptional artistic personality.

Brohan Design Foundation (Author)