19

87

18

Black and white photo of the suspension railroad in Elberfeld, Germany

The suspension railroad in Elberfeld, Germany, circa 1921.

born in Elberfeld, Germany

07

graduates from Elberfeld School
of Applied Arts

09

starts his 1-year apprenticeship in Peter Behrens’ studio

Mies van der Rohe, Adolf Meyer, Max Hertwig, Bernhard Weyrather, Jean Krämer and Walter Gropius

Peter Behrens' assistants at work: Mies van der Rohe, Adolf Meyer, Max Hertwig, Bernhard Weyrather, Jean Krämer and Walter Gropius, 1908. © Wikimedia Commons.

10

gives lectures on trademark design at the Reimann School in Berlin

15

founds the Wilhelmwerk advertising studio in Berlin

Signet for Dr. Richard Mauch & Co.

Mammut signet, 1916–24.

Bull signet.

23

the Seidels Reklame magazine dedicates an entire issue to Deffke’s works

Centerfold from a Seidels Reklame magazine with two logotypes by Deffke: Foto and Rückforth

Seidels Reklame magazine, 1923.

Created with Sketch.

creating marks is best left to professionals with experience, practice and the artistic strength to make them unique. —wilhelm deffke

A logotype depicting two white horse heads attached to a house

one year with behrens

Wilhelm Deffke was already a successful illustrator in the German book art movement when he was employed by Peter Behrens: during his year in the famous workshop, the young designer watched Behrens developing the AEG brand identity.

 

 

 

Advertising brochure from the Berlin printshop Otto Elsner. Three blue letters A, E, G, combined
Cover for a brochure. Native American in a traditional headdress

Advertising brochure from the Berlin printshop Otto Elsner, 1914.

Brochure for Hapag Amerika Reisen, 1914.

A brochure for Hapag Amerika Reisen. A view of Niagara falls

Brochure for Hapag Amerika Reisen, 1914.

Created with Sketch.

the language of marks is immediately apparent and thus it is easy to understand what its desired effects are. —wilhelm deffke

Promotional booklet by Hapag for the Imperator auf See ocean liner