Dec 20
The History of Belgian Graphic Design
2007 at 04.44 pm posted by Veerle
Something that has been lingering my mind lately is the history of graphic design in Belgium or the lack off. It’s true that I didn’t spend days researching the web, but it’s obvious that something is lacking. There is as good as nothing to be found relating to the subject. It is impossible not to notice the impact of graphic design in everyday life so it’s there alright, but obviously nothing is online. A bit of a shame and a missed opportunity if you ask me.
The history of Dutch Graphic Design
Why is it that there is so much more to be found when we look at our Dutch neighbors. Some say it's because the government’s generous cultural funding system. Unconventional approaches gets rewarded. From what I understand this financial support is deeply rooted in the country’s history. The BKVB (The Netherlands Foundation for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture), subsidized more than 5000 artists and designers in recent years. By doing so they are able to concentrate on developing their work, keep afloat in day-to-day practices or finance their personal projects.
There is more in this set Dutch Graphic Design on Flickr.
Verpakkinsgids
Dutch Graphic Design Circa 1950
If you have been paying attention to my approved list you've seen the following link. It's a site by "De Stichting Nederlands Archief Grafisch Ontwerpers (NAGO)" founded in 1992 with as its goal to showcase the Dutch graphic designers and save the work for future reference. It's really wonderful to have such a place. Another great example is 'Dutch Advertising Graphics' on BibliOdyssey. That post is just a sampling from the '150 Years in Advertising in the Netherlands' collection collection that contains 11.000 + items!
What About Belgium?
Like I said in the introduction when doing a Google search there is nothing to be found. I find it hard to believe that this could be the result of lack of talent. I'm no expert in the history of graphic design in Belgium, but I'm sure there must be great work out there. Just look back to the rich history of tapestry, painters and strips like Tin Tin, Suske & Wiske that we have. It's true we are more modest and like to keep a lower profile when being compared to our Northern neighbors but that can't be the reason why there isn't anything to found. I know we have cultural funding systems too, but I'm afraid they focus on other areas or nobody is interested in graphic design. You have Design Vlaanderen that tries to promote design in a broad sense, but the site and database isn't all that great to be honest. For example the section Grafische Vormgeving (Graphic Design) only contains a few links, that's all. There is the Plantin-Moretus price that rewards the best produced books in Flanders. These awards are given to books which distinguish themselves for their design, illustrations and production qualities. Apart from this entry on Fontshop.be there isn't much to be seen. A search for "Belgian Graphic Design" on Flickr only reveals a few pictures as well. When thinking about historical advertisements from Belgium Sabena comes to mind.
Sabena posters
Travel posters
Congo money
Call to action
Looking at what is online already from our Dutch friends I realize that something has to be done now! That's why I want to start a collection of graphic design in Belgium and make it part of this site in its next iteration. I know that starting this so late will unfortunately mean that much has already been lost. I think it's obvious that I need help with this and that's where you readers come in ;) By looking at the Dutch examples you get an idea of what I am looking for, so if you have links, books, scans, posters, vintage advertising of Belgian graphic design, would you be so kind to mail it to me at his address veerle at duoh dot com. Thanks in advance and hopefully we get something interesting together and save it from disappearing from our patrimonial heritage.
21served
1
I can’t believe something like this doesn’t already exist! Good thinking. I’d love to see what your readers come up with.
2
a few years ago, i ended up at an exhibition of tourism posters to promote Ostend. i’ll try and find some links.
3
Brilliant idea!
I’m not sure whether I can be of much help, but whenever I get a chance to help out, I will.
I’m a bit concerned about the legal consequences though… If you look at all the “stichtingen” that are “protecting” their heritage nowadays (Atomium, Kuifje,...), I think it would be advisable to get permission every time you put something online.
Just a thought.
4
Once again a great article. Thank you Veerle. One quick question: Does anyone what is the name of the piano piece used in the first video? Thank you and happy holidays to everyone!
5
My favourite element of historical graphic design is the branding around Expo 58. Lucien De Roeck’s Star symbol and poster are classics. I have a reproduction of the expo poster on my living room wall which I love.
The poster can be seen here.
More info on the star.
The Plaizier shop in Brussels have quite a collection of books, postcards and posters that feature belgian design. Their site seems to target resellers more than visitors to the shop though.
6
I’m not from Belgium but you make me wish I was. This is a fascinating article that obviously took some time and research to produce. Thanks.
7
Very good initiative! The same thing happens in Portugal, we have really good stuff here, by they are just not compiled.
8
I couldn’t help myself comparing your description of Belgian people with Finnish people. I think we compare our self with Swedes and have a feeling of inferiority. It’s such a relief for me because I didn’t know any other population felt this way or had a relationship like this to another country. I think Finns and Belgian still have hope!
9
Veerle said:
I encourage you to explore your idea of featuring Belgium design.
Have you ever come across this site: http://www.spamula.net/blog/. it is now in limbo but it was a real gem!
10
Wow Veerle, Thank you for this great post! Happy Holidays :)
11
Realy interesting :o) Loved to read your post
12
Probably Belgian design could be splitted between the Dutch-speaking side and the French-speaking side.
As far as I know, French graphic design has never stood out as Dutch has. And, later examples of Belgian design I’ve liked come from the Northeastern side of the country, so… there you go.
13
I read this post with interest, since I am from the Netherlands. Although I am not a real graphic designer, but an industrial designer I never realized that there was such a difference between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Could it be something in our culture? Belgians that I have met are very modest and will never tell you to look at their portfolio (e.g. put it online) while Dutch people are not that modest. They put there work on the web?
For more graphic inspiration I would recommend the book called ‘Dutch design’ which is published every year.
Thanks for your post.
14
Exactly 10 years ago, VIZO (Vlaams Instituut voor Zelfstandig Ondernemen) published a book ‘In Koeien Van Letters. 50 jaar Grafische Vormgeving in Vlaanderen.’, actually a catalogue to an exhibition. It covers what is says. I got the book, but I’m not sure it’s still available.
15
Vincent said:
A very quick search didn’t reveal much :( It’s not available on Amazon as well. I did find the ISBN number 90-74886-02-7. Hopefully it’s still available somewhere as this sounds as a great start. Thanks Vincent!
16
I’m not so much convinced that the Belgians are lacking in design as the Dutch are good in shameless, self-promotion.
17
My memory has been working on this one for a few days.
I’m almost sure the exhibition was at the Design Museum in Gent. So maybe if you check there, they can help you out.
But indeed, I think you’ll have to be very lucky to even find it there.
If you’re interested, I still got my copy. If this is for a specific project, I can lend it.
18
First of all, I love your work, you are an inspiration to us all. I didn’t realize you were from Belgium so when I saw this post I was curious why you seemed so concerned. duh!
Nonetheless, I hope this doesn’t come off negative, but it just so happens that I’m in the middle of reading a book entitled “King Leopold’s Ghost” about the history of your former King/country’s acquisition and exploitation of the Congo and the genocide committed therein. It has been a great read thus far, so I can’t help but wonder what impact the events of that era have had on your culture (artistic or otherwise) directly or indirectly.
I’m certain that the cultures of countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the United States — all having committed crimes against humanity — have been impacted by the sins of our forefathers, the effects of which are usually reflected in the arts — or lack thereof.
What are your thoughts?
Respectfully, James
19
Thanks for your article, Veerle. Great idea!
I just want to add a little information for Colin. An exhibition about the work of Lucien De Roeck will be held this year as part of the celebration of the anniversary of the Expo 58. The official program of the exhibition will be officially published next month.
One of my colleagues, Michel Meyers (Lucien De Roeck’s son-in-law), sent me a photo of the pacakging of a coffee set created for the event. You may have a look at the photo at this address.
20
hee Veerle. Ik kom toevallig op je site. Wat leuk die affiche van Aquama rijn van de RAI. Erg leuk die nostalgie
groetjes vanuit nederland
Annette
21
there is stuff online but it’s really hard to find. http://www.geocities.com/P_piffet/Index.html