István Irsai
| István Irsai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
1896 Budapest, Hungary |
| Died |
1968 Israel |
| Alma mater | Budapest University of Technology and Economics |
| Occupation | Architect, graphic designer |
István Irsai (later Pesach Ir-Shay, Hebrew: פסח ער-שי , b. 1896 – d. 1968) was a Hungarian-born Israeli architect and graphic designer.
Early life
István Irsai was born in 1896 in Budapest, Hungary.[1][2] He learned how to play the violin as a child.[2] He served in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I.[2] He subsequently studied architecture at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.[1][2]
Adult life
Irsai started his career as an architect and graphic designer in Budapest.[2] He lived in Mandate Palestine from 1925 to 1929, when he designed the Hebrew font Haim.[1] During that time, he also designed stage sets in theatres as well as houses in the Bauhaus architectural style.[2] He returned to Hungary in 1929, where he worked as a graphic designer until 1944.[1]
Irsai was deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1944, but he managed to escape on the Kastner train.[1][2] He emigrated to Israel, where he was a graphic designer.[1][2] He designed posters for Modiano and Tungsram, among other companies.[2] He also designed Zionist-themed posters to promote the state of Israel.[2]
Death
Irsai died in 1968 in Israel.[1][2]
Further reading
- Lob, Ladislaus; Rahe, Thomas; Sommerfield-Irsai, Miryam (2014). Postcards from Bergen-Belsen : Istvan Irsai and his graphic art. Celle: Stiftung Niedersachsische Gedenkstatten.