Helmut Schmid Typography

The renowned designer, publicist and teacher Helmut Schmid brought Swiss typography to Japan and combined Japanese tradition with Western modernity in his work.

The typography of Helmut Schmid (1942-2018) is precise and elegant. This applies in particular to his logos for the Japanese pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, but also to his design of political campaigns for the German SPD. After living in Sweden, Canada and Germany, Schmid made Japan his adopted home. Under the influence of the poster art there and the simple beauty of Japanese objects, he refined the typographic approach of his Basel teacher Emil Ruder.

The exhibition shows the most important stages of Schmid's career and sheds light on his position as a mediator between East and West. On display are logos, packaging, corporate designs and free works by the designer, who was also internationally renowned as a publicist.

In cooperation with:
DNP Foundation for Cultural Promotion