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Hermann Zapf

1918-11-08 – 2015-06-04

Portrait of Hermann Zapf
Hermann Zapf in 1960Credit: Unknown author

Life & Legacy

Hermann Zapf (German: [ˈhɛʁman ˈtsapf]; 8 November 1918 – 4 June 2015) was a German type designer and calligrapher who lived in Darmstadt, Germany. He was married to the calligrapher and typeface designer Gudrun Zapf-von Hesse. Typefaces he designed include Palatino, Optima, and Zapfino. He is considered one of the greatest type designers of all time.

Occupation & Career

type designer, graphic designer, calligrapher, university teacher, postage stamp designer, painter, photographer, typographer, teacher, writer, bookbinder, typesetter, book artist

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; Goethe-Plakette des Landes Hessen; Honorary Royal Designer for Industry; SOTA Typography Award; Johann Heinrich Merck Honour; Frederic W. Goudy Award

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

Frederic W. Goudy Award · Goethe-Plakette des Landes Hessen · Honorary Royal Designer for Industry · Johann Heinrich Merck Honour · Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany · SOTA Typography Award

Employer

Rochester Institute of Technology · Technical University of Darmstadt

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q60302 — wikidata View source

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