Zwart, Piet, 1885-1977

Dutch architect, designer, typographer and photographer. He was a member of Kurt Schwitters' "Ring neue Werbegestalter," a group composed initially of nine typographers.

From the description of Letters received, 1928-1946. (Getty Research Institute). WorldCat record id: 84845741

Dutch architect, designer, typographer, and photographer.

From the description of Designs, 1932-1977. (Getty Research Institute). WorldCat record id: 82094042

Biographical/Historical Note

Piet Zwart was born in 1885 in Zaandijk, Amsterdam. He was trained as an architect and worked for the architects Jan Wils and H.P. Berlage. While working for Berlage and others Zwart also became adept in the field of interior design. In 1923 Zwart began his typographical career creating advertisements that were published in Tijdschrift voor electrothechniek and Sterkstroom. It was at this time that he produced his most famous work for the Nederlandsche Kabelfabriek, Delft. Zwart also did large projects for the ITF, Internationale tentoonstelling op filmgebied, and the Dutch Postal Telegraph and Telephone Company (PTT), including the design of a postage stamp. In 1930 Zwart was commissioned to design monthly calendar cards for the Bruynzeel Wood Company, which manufactured pencils and doors. Eventually he designed all of Bruynzeel’s printed publications, advertising, packaging, offices, exhibitions and various offices of representatives abroad. Zwart’s oeuvre is strongly associated with the De Stijl movement.

From the guide to the Piet Zwart views of manufacturing and architecture, 1928-circa 1935, (Getty Research Institute)