Dick Bruna was born Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna on 23 August 1927 in Utrecht, Netherlands. He was an author, artist and graphic designer, and began designing book jackets in 1945, going on to design around 2,000 book covers over the next twenty years.
Over the following decades he also wrote and illustrated over 200 children’s books, translated into languages across the world, and became best known for Miffy (Nijntje in Dutch), a small rabbit built from bold graphic lines, simple shapes and primary colours.
His vivid use of colour and simplification of form was featured on more than books. He also designed posters for concerts, exhibitions and universities, packaging, murals and stamps.
