PROJECT DESCRIPTION

“Willy Guhl: Thinking with Your Hands” is the first comprehensive monograph dedicated to the illustrious Swiss designer and teacher (1915–2004) who created world-famous furniture such as the Eternit “loop chair” and “shell seat.” Guhl’s holistic, hands-on approach to design and pedagogy, is communicated through a colorful array of archival material and illuminating texts which reveal the concepts, creative process and context behind his pioneering design projects.

Published to coincide with an exhibition of the same title at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, the catalog begins with eight diverse perspectives on Guhl’s work from designer Jasper Morrison to curator Catherine Ince and philosopher Dieter Mersch, before presenting a thematically organized and generously illustrated index of Guhl’s oeuvre – ranging from “Type Furniture” to “Rooms” – including short descriptive texts.

The book reveals how Guhl’s designs and his teaching methods bore witness to the innovations of the booming design industry of the post-war period and the changing professional image of the industrial designer. The portrait of the designer that emerges is a champion of utilitarian, ecologically responsible and humanist design, offering many lessons for contemporary creators.

Collections of colour photographs taken by Guhl divide sections of the book, offering a reflective space to see the world through his eyes and enjoy the idiosyncrasies of everyday design that he observed at home and abroad.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 8 ¾ × 11

Number of Pages: 308

Binding Method:

Paper:

Typefaces: LL Prisma Text; Programme Mono

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director:

Art Director:

Book Designer: Teo Schifferli

Jacket/Cover Designer: Teo Schifferli

Illustrator:

Photographer: Umberto Romito; Ivan Šuta

Picture Editor: Gundula Seraphin

Production Director:

Production Coordinator:

Production Artist:

Other Credits:

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