GERALD CINAMON

The idea for this project arose from several years' research which led to my book, Rudolf Koch (Oak Knoll Press and The British Library, 2000). During those years I came upon graphic work, articles, or passing mentions of, or about, numerous German designers... All designers were thus entangled in this ideological network. For many, because of their political beliefs or religion, there was simply no hope of continuing their professional careers and they were forced to settle eventually in Britain, the USA or other countries. Others were too young at the time to consider emigrating, or simply chose not to because of their beliefs, their patriotism - call it what you will - and remained in the Third Reich. A number of established designers, nevertheless, lost their teaching positions - and the possibility of commissions and exhibitions of their work - and worked alone in their studios, or made that ‘inner exile' to their country cottages, if they were so lucky. If their luck continued,..