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Send a card to the man who put Helvetica on your subway map

By Annalisa Merelli
Published

Image via NYCSubway

Massimo Vignelli, the legendary Italian graphic designer, is very ill and spending his last days at home with his family. Creative Review reports that Pentagram partner Michael Bierut, a friend and former employee of Vignelli’s, says the designer’s dream would be to attend his own funeral. And since that’s not possible, Vignelli’s son Luca is asking people his father has influenced or touched to send Massimo Vignelli goodwill notes and cards.

In decades of work, together with his wife Lella, his graphic design has been seen by millions of people. If you’ve ever taken the subway in New York City, or Washington, DC, you’ve seen Vignelli’s work.

Images via New York City Transit Authority Graphics Standards Manual

If you’ve taken a train in Italy, you’ve seen his work.


Images via Aiap

Been to Bloomingdale’s? His work.


Image via idsgn.com

In his long career, Vignelli has designed furniture, brand identities, objects, and packaging. The chances he added a bit of elegance to your life are pretty high.


Image via Vignelli Studio

Here’s an interview with Vignelli filmed two years ago, in which he discusses his work:

You can send a card to him and his family here:

Massimo Vignelli


130 East 67 Street


New York, New York 10021


USA

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