Jean Widmer

Jean Widmer (1929 - date) studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule, in Zürich, under Johannes Itten one of the Bauhaus teachers. Despite studying at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris, his work was heavily influenced by the likes of Joseph Muller Brockman and he became responsible for introducing Swiss modernism to France. His work of functionalism and simple forms stood out amongst the decorative style that were present in France at the time. And after working as art director and photographer for various companies in France he launched his own company Visuel Design in 1970 with his wife Nicole. The company successfully concentrated on French identity systems and infrastructure projects including; the identity programme for the Centre de Création Industrielle, the identity for the Centre Pompidou, and the identity for the Musée d'Orsay. Jean Widmer revolutionized signage in France both from a readability and an aesthetic perspective. Outstanding work and a true Swiss master.