Tourist Guide - Den Haag Scheveningen (1973)
Year: 1973
Format: Leaflet
Illustrator: Max Velthuijs (1923-2005)
Client: Den Haag Scheveningen
Details: This 1973 tourist guide provides a map and information for The Hague/Scheveningen in the Netherlands. The artwork is by Max Velthuijs (1923-2005).
Velthuijs was born in The Hague. His family had to move to Arnhem during World War II, where Velthuijs studied at the Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten (Academy of the Visual Arts). Unfortunately his studies ended when the city was evacuated in 1944. During the war, he helped to forge stamps for the identity papers of people in hiding.
After the war ended, he moved back to The Hague. He worked in publishing and advertising as a graphic designer and was commissioned to create artwork for book jackets, posters, postage stamps, animation and more.
His first children's book commission as an illustrator came in 1962 for the 10th edition of a well-known book of rhymes for children (Versjes die wij nooit vergeten - Rhymes we will never forget). The success of this book led to him illustrating another book of rhymes two years later (A is een aapje - A is for Monkey), which established him internationally as a children’s book illustrator.
Velthuijs’ best-known works are the ‘Frog’ picture books, the first of which was published in 1989. The series gained global recognition and made him one of the most famous Dutch children's illustrators. He was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his lasting contribution to children's literature in 2004.