Dick Bruna | |
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Born | Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna 23 August 1927 Utrecht, Netherlands |
Died | 16 February 2017 Utrecht, Netherlands | (aged 89)
Nationality | Dutch |
Known for | Artist, graphic designer, illustrator/author of children's books |
Notable work | Miffy |
Spouse | Irene de Jongh (m: 1953) [1] |
Awards | Golden Paintbrush |
Dick Bruna (born Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna, 23 August 1927 – 16 February 2017)[2] was a Dutch author, artist, illustrator and graphic designer.
Bruna was best known for his children's books which he authored and illustrated, numbering over 200. His most notable creation was Miffy (Nijntje in the original Dutch), a small rabbit drawn with heavy graphic lines, simple shapes and primary colours. Bruna also created stories for characters such as Boris Bear, Poppy Pig, Snuffy, Lottie, Farmer John, Kitty Nelly, and Hettie Hedgehog.
Aside from his prolific catalog of children's books, Bruna also illustrated and designed book covers, posters and promotional materials for his father's publishing company A.W. Bruna & Zoon. His most popular designs graced the covers of the Zwarte Beertjes (English, "little black bears") series of books. Well known among his designs are those for Simenon's Maigret books, typified by graphic silhouettes of a pipe on various backgrounds.