Jean d'Ylen

Born in Paris in 1886, Jean Paul Beguin, later known as Jean d'Ylen, demonstrated his exceptional talent for design at an early age of twelve. In 1898, he was awarded gold and silver medals by the Ville de Paris for his outstanding achievements. During his life, d'Ylen experienced various phases. In 1914, he tied the knot and enlisted in the 279th Infantry Regiment, later joining the Cartography Department of the Army. Following the war, he chose to pursue a career in poster design, a decision that would define his legacy. In 1919, Vercassson recognized his potential and signed him up, introducing his work to the Salon de la Publicite. His collaboration with Vercasson yielded approximately thirty exclusive posters, each a testament to his exceptional skills. d'Ylen's posters were not confined to France; they were displayed across Europe, England (via Weiner), Sweden, Holland, the USA, Canada, and Australia. His works for brands like Waterman, Ripolin, Jacquemaire, Shell, Bally, and Sandeman's Port adorned advertising hoardings, capturing the attention of passersby with their vivid colors and expressive designs. However, in 1934, a dispute with Vercassson led him to forge a new path, working directly for Weiner in London. This phase saw him designing for Esso, BP, the Daily Herald, and Power Ethyl, further cementing his status as a leader in the field. Unfortunately, d'Ylen's journey came to an untimely end in 1938, when he passed away at the peak of his career. However, his legacy lives on through his iconic posters, which continue to inspire generations of designers. His words from 1921 resonate strongly, stating that "A poster must be expressive, colorful, and possess an attraction that captures the attention of a passerby." Presenting a collection of Jean d'Ylen's remarkable posters from the 1920s and 1930s, these pieces are not just visual delights but also a testament to his remarkable talent and vision.