Dick Bruna, Author of Miffy Character, Dies at Age 89

Dick Bruna, creator of iconic children's character, Miffy, has died age 89, in his home town of Utrecht.

Illustrator and author of 124 picture books, Bruna's career spanned 60 years. His 32 books about Miffy the little white bunny with a round face and long pointed ears brought global success beyond his native Holland. First published in 1955, the Miffy stories are now published in more than 50 languages, and have sold over 85 million copies worldwide. The Miffy books depict the timeless, universal idylls of childhood days at the seaside, trips to the zoo making them accessible to any child no matter where they are in the world.

Bruna's style of illustration particularly Miffy's striking graphic, considered by many to be a design icon of the twentieth century made him a household name in many parts of the globe. Inspired by Matisse, Lger and Mondrian, he always worked in 2D, using simple shapes, strong black outlines and a limited palette of primary colors. He believed each illustration should stand alone as a piece of art, yet never lost the ability to see life through the eyes of a child. As a result, Bruna created a world of perfectly formed pictograms, instantly recognizable and adored by people of all ages.

Asked to explain his success, Bruna replied: "I think it is because I spend a long time making my drawings as simple as possible, throwing lots away, before I reach that moment of recognition. What matters is reducing everything to its essence. Every shape captures the imagination, and I leave plenty of space for children's imagination."

He is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.

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