Dick Bruna

Dick Bruna, whose full name is Hendrikus Magdalenus Bruna, was born in August 23, 1927 in Utrecht, Netherland and died in February 16, 2017 in Utrecht. He was a Dutch illustrator and a writer who was best known as the creator of the beloved children’s character Nijntje which is a Dutch word and Miffy in English. Miffy is a frictional rabbit appearing in a series of picture books. 124 Miffy books, interpreted into more than 40 languages. Dick's father, A.W. Bruna,was a publisher for A.W. Bruna & Zoon. Dick’s great grandfather founded this company in the year 1868. Bruna’s father wanted him to run their family business, but as Bruna had no interest in working as a publisher, he joined A.W. Bruna & Zoon as a designer. He had always desired to be an artist. During the emergence of the second world, Bruna had to move toLoosdrecht.

That was the first time he began drawing and painting his natural surroundings. After the war came to rest, his family moved to Hilversum. Dick outlined his first book cover for the book "Anne-Marie" by Arnold Clerk. Having problemsadjusting to the new school, he did not complete his final year. His father arranged work placements for Dick in London and Paris to enhance his knowledge as a publisher. Bruna being clear about his life goal,started to visit as many exhibitions. He became inspired by the work of Léger, Braque, and Matisse. Surprisingly his family permitted him to attend an art course at the State Academy in Amsterdam, and his brother,Frederik Hendrik Bruna, took over the family business. In 1951, Bruna proposed to a girl in his neighborhood, Irene de Jongh, and to fulfill her father’s demand, Bruna had to accept a permanent position at the family publishing house.

For the family firm, A.W. Bruna & Zoon, Bruna created over 2,000 covers and over 100 posters.For the family firm, A.W. Bruna & Zoon, Bruna created over 2,000 covers and over 100 posters.Later,Dick Bruna approached Roby about his collaboration with the Amsterdam Company Artand chose to have his “Nijntje” cards published by Art Unlimited. His most well-known illustrations were for the Zwarte Beertjes series of books, including The Saint, James Bond, Simenon, and Shakespeare. In 2014, Bruna announced his retirement. In March 2016,The Max Velthuijs-prijs was bestowed upon him.In his sleep at Utrecht, Bruna died at age 89.