E. McKnight Kauffer: The Artist in Advertising

E. McKnight Kauffer was a pioneering graphic designer who transformed the field between the wars by drawing upon emerging visual languages of Cubism, Vorticism, and Surrealism. He collaborated with avant-garde peers in art, literature, and design to expand the scope and impact of his work, and this publication is the first to address the full range of his career.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Between the wars, E. McKnight Kauffer (American, 1890-1954) was a trailblazing figure who revolutionized the field of graphic design. He drew inspiration from the emerging visual languages of Cubism, Vorticism, and Surrealism to create a modern graphic style that shaped the development of commercial art. By collaborating with his avant-garde peers in art, literature, and design, including the Bloomsbury Group, Marion Dorn, T.S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, Aldous Huxley, and Man Ray, Kauffer expanded the scope and impact of his field.

This groundbreaking publication is the first to comprehensively explore the entire career of Kauffer, from sophisticated designs for major clients such as the London transport system, Random House, American Airlines, and Shell, as well as Allied propaganda posters during World War II, to book covers, rugs, costumes, and stage sets. An interdisciplinary group of authors offers critical perspectives on the cultural context of Kauffer's work, shedding new light on the designer's depictions of race, gender, and global politics.

Kauffer's work was characterized by a bold use of color, typography, and composition, often incorporating elements of collage and abstraction. He was particularly skilled at creating visual identities for companies and organizations, and his designs were known for their simplicity and clarity.

One of Kauffer's most notable achievements was his collaboration with the London transport system in the 1930s. He designed a series of posters and advertisements that were both visually striking and informative, promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging people to travel more efficiently.

Kauffer's work also had a significant impact on the field of book design. He designed covers for many classic works of literature, including works by T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and Ernest Hemingway. His designs were known for their simplicity and elegance, and they often incorporated elements of typography and illustration to create a visual narrative that complemented the text.

In addition to his work in graphic design, Kauffer was also a prolific illustrator and painter. He created a series of illustrations for children's books, as well as paintings that were exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

Kauffer's influence on the field of graphic design is still felt today. His work has been celebrated by designers and artists around the world, and his designs have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications.

In conclusion, E. McKnight Kauffer was a pioneering figure who transformed the field of graphic design between the wars. Through his bold use of color, typography, and composition, as well as his collaborations with his avant-garde peers in art, literature, and design, Kauffer created a modern graphic style that shaped the development of commercial art. His work was characterized by simplicity and clarity, and it had a significant impact on the field of book design and advertising. Kauffer's influence on the field of graphic design is still felt today, and his legacy continues to inspire designers and artists around the world.

Weight: 1566g
Dimension: 232 x 305 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847867745