Edward McKnight Kauffer

United States 1890-1954
Edward McKnight Kauffer, born on December 14, 1890, and passing away on November 22, 1954, was a pioneering figure in the field of commercial art and graphic design. Born in Great Falls, Montana, Kauffer moved to Europe where he made a significant impact on the visual culture of the early 20th century with his innovative and modernist approach to poster design. Kauffer's artistic journey began modestly, but he soon found his calling in London after moving there in 1913. He quickly gained recognition for transforming the British advertising landscape by introducing avant-garde aesthetics into commercial posters. His designs were characterized by bold geometric shapes, dynamic compositions, and an intelligent use of typography that resonated with the contemporary Art Deco movement as well as Cubism and Futurism. Throughout his career, Kauffer collaborated extensively with leading cultural institutions and commercial clients such as London Underground, Shell, and The Daily Telegraph, producing a prolific array of iconic images. His posters for London Underground, often featuring abstracted cityscapes and vibrant colors, became emblematic of the period and are now considered milestones in the history of graphic design. Beyond his work in advertising, Kauffer also excelled as an illustrator and painter, contributing to book covers, magazine illustrations, and set designs. His illustrations for books like T.S. Eliot's "Selected Poems" and "To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf are celebrated for their harmonious blend of text and imagery, reflecting the spirit of Modernism. In the late 1940s, Kauffer returned to the United States, where he continued his illustrious career, working with prestigious American clients and teaching at the Cooper Union School of Art. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations of graphic designers and artists with his dedication to bridging fine art and commercial design. Despite his untimely death, Edward McKnight Kauffer left behind a rich legacy that underscores his pivotal role in elevating graphic design to a respected art form. His ability to synthesize diverse artistic movements and apply them to practical applications revolutionized the way graphics communicated with the public, securing him a place among the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century.

Collection of Works(Page 1)

A nova ordem - do eixo.,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, 1boy, male focus, solo, parody
A nova ordem - do eixo.
Resolution: 5605 × 8008 px
Gilbey's invalid port. D 174,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, grapes, no humans, wine
Gilbey's invalid port. D 174
Resolution: 5816 × 7889 px
London History at the London Museum, for London Underground,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration
London History at the London Museum, for London Underground
Resolution: 2317 × 3975 px
Soaring to Success, The Early Bird,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, english text
Soaring to Success, The Early Bird
Resolution: 2016 × 3989 px
Exhibition of Modern Art-The London Group,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, english text
Exhibition of Modern Art-The London Group
Resolution: 2630 × 3973 px
Gilbey's Spey Royal Scotch Whiskey,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, no humans, english text
Gilbey's Spey Royal Scotch Whiskey
Resolution: 8547 × 4552 px
Luchamos por la libertad de todos,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, united states
Luchamos por la libertad de todos
Resolution: 5480 × 7898 px
Summer Sale at Derry and Tom's, London,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, english text, 1girl
Summer Sale at Derry and Tom's, London
Resolution: 2570 × 4006 px
Gilbey's invalid port,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, grapes, fruit, no humans, food
Gilbey's invalid port
Resolution: 7944 × 3932 px
Godstone, London Underground,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, outdoors, border, grass, tree
Godstone, London Underground
Resolution: 2659 × 3981 px
Oxhey Woods, London Underground,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, tree, outdoors
Oxhey Woods, London Underground
Resolution: 2742 × 4096 px
The 'Rocket'-Museum of Science,Edward McKnight Kauffer,Illustration,Illustration, english text, solo, 1girl
The 'Rocket'-Museum of Science
Resolution: 2281 × 3652 px