Jean Widmer

Jean Widmer
Born
Hans Ulrich Widmer

(1929-03-31)31 March 1929
Frauenfeld, Thurgau, Switzerland
Died2 February 2026(2026-02-02) (aged 96)
Paris, France
EducationZurich School of Arts and Crafts
OccupationGraphic designer

Jean Widmer (born Hans Ulrich Widmer;[1] 31 March 1929 – 2 February 2026) was a Swiss and French graphic designer.[2]

Widmer studied at the Zurich School of Arts and Crafts[3] and moved to France in the 1950s, aiming to revamp public signage and road infrastructure.[4][5] He was one of the first designers in France to make typography an element of their designs.[6] He also created the design of the Centre Pompidou logo.[7]

Widmer died on 2 February 2026, at the age of 96, in Paris.[1][8][9]

Distinctions

References

  1. ^ a b Nossiter, Adam (26 February 2026). "Jean Widmer, Designer of Celebrated French Graphics, Dies at 96". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Mort du designer Jean Widmer, créateur du logo du Centre Pompidou et pionnier du minimalisme". Le Monde (in French). 2 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  3. ^ de Jarcy, Xavier (11 June 2018). "Le graphiste Jean Widmer : "L'informatique a un peu tué le métier"". Télérama (in French). Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  4. ^ "Histoire du graphisme : Jean WIDMER un pionnier du graphisme moderne". KobOne (in French). 29 May 2018. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  5. ^ a b Maumus, Johan (22 June 2017). "Prix du Design pour Jean Widmer, un graphiste qui a révolutionné la signalétique". Graphiline.com (in French). Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  6. ^ "Jean Widmer". Index Grafik (in French).
  7. ^ "2. Jean Widmer et VDA". Centre Pompidou (in French).
  8. ^ "Décès du designer franco-suisse Jean Widmer, créateur du logo du Centre Pompidou". Le Temps (in French). 3 February 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
  9. ^ Werke von Jean Widmer in eMuseum für Gestaltung Zürich.
  10. ^ Widmer, Jean (9 December 2013). "Jean Widmer". DesignCulture (Interview). Retrieved 3 March 2026.