About Dick Bruna

Hendrikus Magdalena Bruna, author, artist, illustrator and graphic designer, was born in Utrecht, The Netherland on August 23, 1927.

Dick Bruna's father had a book stand at virtually every one of the country's abundant railway stations. A.W. Bruna & Son started printing books in 1868 and became the Netherlands' largest publisher.

His father's intentions were for Dick to follow in his footsteps. Dick went to London for a year to learn the trade and afterwards to Paris, but Bruna had different plans. Bruna's brother eventually took over the business, but Dick Bruna always remained a close collaborator.

Dick Bruna started drawing at a young age, in 1940. He drew covers for his school newspaper in Walt Disney style and later was also influenced by artists of other art forms, like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, whom he admired. The biggest influence was perhaps Matisse.

In 1953 Dick married Irene de Jongh, the girl next door. They have three children, 2 sons, Sierk born in 1954 and Marc born in 1958 and one daughter, Madelon born in 1961. Recently they have become grandparents.

Dick still works and shows his work to his wife first and makes changes and improvements until she approves.

Although he was named after his grandfather, he got the name Dick because he was a chubby little boy and his family lovingly used to call him Dikkie (Dutch for fatty). Dikkie, Dik (fat) became and remained Dick.

See also my post:
Dick Bruna's Work
Dick Bruna's Economical Impact