Pierre Gauchat (1902–1956) was a Swiss graphic designer, illustrator, and educator whose work significantly influenced 20th-century Swiss design.
Early Life and Education
Born in Zurich, Gauchat studied graphic design at the Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich under Ernst Keller from 1916 to 1920. He continued his studies at the Kunstgewerbeschule München in 1921. After interning at the Art Institute Orell Füssli, he established his studio in Zurich in 1924.
Career and Contributions
Gauchat’s portfolio was diverse, encompassing book design, posters, stamps, and corporate advertising. Notably, he created the iconic 1935 poster for Bally shoes, exemplifying the “object poster” style, which focuses on a single, prominent image. He also designed the logo for Embru-Werke, a Swiss furniture manufacturer.
In 1941, Gauchat initiated the “Swiss Poster of the Year” competition, promoting excellence in graphic design. His teaching career included positions at the Kunstgewerbeschule Zürich (1926–1944) and the Kantonales Gymnasium Zürich (1945–1956).
Collaborating with Hermann Eidenbenz, Gauchat co-designed the fifth series of Swiss banknotes, issued posthumously in 1957. These notes featured themes such as fertility, motherhood, and mortality.
Legacy
Gauchat’s work is celebrated for its clarity and effectiveness, adhering to the principles of the International Typographic Style. His designs are part of collections at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art. A retrospective exhibition, “Pierre Gauchat, der Graphiker,” was held at Helmhaus Zürich in 1960.
Gauchat’s contributions inspire designers, reflecting a commitment to simplicity and functionality in visual communication.
Related Articles
Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.