HERBERT BAYER, Bauhaus Typography.
2 Million Marks, Weimar, 1923. Banknote.
Series G. No.073332
Paper, 14 x 7 cm
Price: £45.50 GBP SOLD
A beautifully simple design by Herbert Bayer (1900 - 1985) for the emergency banknotes issued by Die Landesregierung Thüringen in Weimar (State government of Thuringia in Weimar) during the "hyperinflation" economic period of the Weimar Republic. Paper money was so worthless it was more economic to use it as fuel. It is dated 9. August 1923.
Herbert Bayer studied at the Bauhaus from 1921, first on the Foundation Course in Art and Design under Johannes Itten and then painting under Wassily Kandinsky and László Moholy-Nagy. During this time he was developing his own typefaces. In 1925, on completion of his final exams, Bayer was appointed by Walter Gropius to direct the new "Druck und Reklame" (Printing and Advertising) department at the Bauhaus in Dessau.
Bayer developed the "Universal", a geometric sans-serif typeface in 1925, designed the iconic signage for the Bauhaus' new building complex in Dessau, and the graphic design for Bauhaus product catalogues and posters. In 1928, he left the Bauhaus and became the art director of Vogue magazine in Berlin. Bayer's output is synonomous with the graphic look of the Bauhaus and his influence permeates graphic design even today.
A rare opportunity to own an original piece of graphic design / political / economic history, resonating with our present economic concerns. Perhaps one day we will have money to burn again.
The banknote is in very good condition. No tears or stains.
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