Book launch: Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch DesignBook launch: Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design

Gert Dumbar (b.1940) is one of the most colourful and influential graphic designers in the Netherlands and beyond. As a young partner at Tel Design, he designed iconic symbols for public spaces, such as the NS logo. He later set up his own bureau, Studio Dumbar, and produced a huge amount of work for a wide range of clients, from avant-garde theatres to the government, and from hospitals to multinationals. With more than its fair share of admirers and critics, (Studio) Dumbar’s work has left a lasting mark on visual culture, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

Gert Dumbar, Gentleman Maverick of Dutch Design examines Dumbar’s multifaceted work in the context of its time and explores the different roles he played: artist, provocateur, ‘design director’, student, teacher, cultural initiator and mediator. The book reveals Dumbar’s independence, flexibility and ability to attract young designers and repeatedly inspire others to think outside the box.

• 19:00–19:10 Welcome and introduction by the Nieuwe Instituut and Valiz
• 19:10–19:30 Talk by author/editor Max Bruinsma: Developing, editing and weeding: How to transform a ‘mer à boire’ of Dumbar material into a coherent narrative
• 19:30–20:00 Talk by Renate Boere and Giang Nguyen, designers of the book: Portraying a maverick: On making a book about Gert Dumbar
• 20:00–20:30 Discussion with the audience

Combine this event with a visit to our exhibitions – admission to the museum is free on Thursday evenings. Fancy a bite to eat? Join us in the Nieuwe Café!