Herbert Leupin, A rare 1945 pictorial world map, published
in 1945 by Kümmerly & Frey in Bern, in original contemporary
thin wood frame.
The map is is a wonderful example of 1940’s graphic design and
an early example of Herbert Leupin’s playful style. The image comes
from the large-scale original painted in gouache and commissioned in
1943 by Hans Theler (the then director of Swiss National Insurance)
to furnish his office in Basel.
Herbert Leupin (1916-1999) designed around 500 posters and
won 90 awards and is now known as one of the most influential and
successful poster artists.
Leupin began his studies in Basel and then moved to Paris to study
with Paul Colin, the famous Art Deco graphic artist who helped
launch the career of Josephine Baker.
Returning to Basel shortly before the Second World War he opened his
own studio and began working on commissioned projects with an
individual style that combined gentle humour and prodigious graphic
skill. He was responsible for many iconic designs including the
"Milka" chocolate logo and the "Papermate" ballpoint pen man. In his
later years he turned his creative abilities to the illustration of
children's books, where he enjoyed further great success.
