Dick Bruna

Dick Bruna
Bruna in his studio in 2007
Born
Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna

(1927-08-23)23 August 1927
Utrecht, Netherlands
Died16 February 2017(2017-02-16) (aged 89)
Utrecht, Netherlands
NationalityDutch
Known forArtist, graphic designer, illustrator/author of children's books
Notable workMiffy
SpouseIrene de Jongh (m: 1953) [1]
AwardsGolden 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 [nl] (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.

  1. ^ "Dick Bruna: Biografie". www.nijntje.nl. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  2. ^ "'Miffy' Children's Book Creator Dick Bruna Passes Away". Anime News Network. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2021.