Dick Bruna, Netherlands

AGI member since 1978

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Dick Bruna (born August 23, 1927 in Utrecht) was a Dutch artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He first started illustrating and designing book covers, posters and promotional materials for his father's publishing company.
His most popular designs graced the covers of the pocket book series Zwarte Beertjes (Black Bears) which he made for writers such as Havank (The Shadow), George Simenon (Commissaire Maigret), Leslie Charteris (The Saint) and Ian Fleming (James Bond).
In 1955 he created the first book about Miffy (in Dutch ‘Nijntje’). Over the years, Miffy became a global children's book phenomena embodying his absolute strive for the perfect form and giving him global recognition as a master in the art of omission.
Bruna illustrated over 2,000 covers, more than 100 posters and created 124 picture books.
He frequently contributed his abilities as a graphic designer in service to society by designing posters for charities and worthy causes such as Terre des Hommes, The Red Cross, UNICEF, the Ronald McDonald House, wards of various hospitals and special publications.
Dick Bruna’s award-winning work is featured in exhibitions around the world.

Design work by Dick Bruna


    Dick Bruna, Netherlands (1978)

    Dick Bruna (born August 23, 1927 in Utrecht) was a Dutch artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He started illustrating and designing book covers, posters and promotional materials for his father's...

    Read full biography
    Dick Bruna, Netherlands (1978)

    Dick Bruna (born August 23, 1927 in Utrecht) was a Dutch artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He first started illustrating and designing book covers, posters and promotional materials for his father's publishing company.
    His most popular designs graced the covers of the pocket book series Zwarte Beertjes (Black Bears) which he made for writers such as Havank (The Shadow), George Simenon (Commissaire Maigret), Leslie Charteris (The Saint) and Ian Fleming (James Bond).
    In 1955 he created the first book about Miffy (in Dutch ‘Nijntje’). Over the years, Miffy became a global children's book phenomena embodying his absolute strive for the perfect form and giving him global recognition as a master in the art of omission.
    Bruna illustrated over 2,000 covers, more than 100 posters and created 124 picture books.
    He frequently contributed his abilities as a graphic designer in service to society by designing posters for charities and worthy causes such as Terre des Hommes, The Red Cross, UNICEF, the Ronald McDonald House, wards of various hospitals and special publications.
    Dick Bruna’s award-winning work is featured in exhibitions around the world.

    Publications

    plus

    De Appel

    (1953)

    • Dick Bruna

    Nijntje

    (1963)

    • Dick Bruna

    Snuffie en de brand

    (1969)

    • Dick Bruna

    Nijntje en Nina

    (1999)

    • Dick Bruna

    Boris de piloot

    (2002)

    • Dick Bruna

    This is a very small selection of Dick Bruna's publications. During his career he created a total of 124 original books.

    Exhibitions

    plus

    Dick Bruna. Artist

    2015

    Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

    Dick Bruna Retrospective

    1991

    Centre Pompidou, Paris

    Permanent collection

    Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

    Permanent collection

    Centraal Museum, Utrecht

    Many temporary exhibitions featuring the work of Dick Bruna are held every year, especially in Japan, where there is great interest in his work.

    Agencies

    plus
    • Mercis bv

      1971 – 2011

    • A.W. Bruna & Zoon

      1951 – 1971

    Awards

    plus
    • 2016

    Max Velthuijs Prize for his entire oeuvre
    • 2001

    Knight Commander in the Order of the Lion by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
    • 1997

    Silver Slate Award for the text in ‘Dear grandma bunny’
    • 1996

    Silver Brush Award for the illustrations in ‘Miffy in the tent’
    • 1990

    Golden Brush Award for the illustrations in ‘Boris Bear’
    • 1983

    Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands