Personalities in Czech graphic design - Jiří Rathouský

Held in the Cloister of the Governor's Palace, this exhibition introduces one of the most original artists in Czech book design and typography.

Jiří Rathouský went to grammar school in Prague, and then studied art education at the Pedagogical Faculty of Charles University, Prague (1945-1949). From the 1950's onwards he devoted himself to advertising and book design. He helped establish two groups: in 1952 the Štursa, in 1957 the Máj. Jiří Rathouský was part of the team that created the visuals for the Czech pavilions at Expo 58, Brussels, Expo 67, Montréal and Expo 70, Osaka. His contribution to information design helped shape the visual environment of Czechoslovak transport (on the Prague Metro, in Prague- Holešovice Railway Station, and the information system for Czech Rail, etc.). In the 1990's, Rathouský dedicated himself to information design, exhibition design, and typeface and product design. Much of his work arose out of collaboration with his wife, Dora Nováková. The artist was an active member of the Horizont group and designed posters for its exhibitions. He was also a member of Typo&, SČUG Hollar and the Association of Applied Graphics, Prague.