Beast wishes

RAI publication cover, 1960

I was delighted to discover the official website devoted to Sergio Ruffolo (1916-1989), one of 

the semi-forgotten pioneers of Modernist Italian design. From the mid-forties to the late eighties, 

Ruffolo worked as a freelance graphic artist for many Italian corporations, political parties and 

state companies including RAI, the state–owned television channel.His assignments ranged 

from logos and advertising campaigns to annual reports, editorial design, title sequences for 

tv programs and various promotional materials. Ruffolo was the designer behind some of the major 

Italian newspaper layouts, most notably the iconic la Repubblica in 1976. He also painted 

and created sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, and collectible card decks. In spite of this varied 

and prolific output, until recently there was hardly any reference to Ruffolo's work on the web. 

The website (still under construction) is well designed and already showcases a wealth of materials, 

from Murano glass chess pieces to newspaper grids and road safety campaigns. 

Animals, and owls in particular, were Ruffolo's favorite subjects in all media.

Dragonflies ceramic plate

Fantastic animal, decomposable plexiglas sculpture, 1974

Owl n.2 and Horses n.2 paintings, 1973–4

Owl and Horse iron sculptures, 1975

My favorite section on the website is a great series of greeting cards, all illustrated with lovable animals 

holding mistletoe branches. I assume that Ruffolo designed these every year to be sent to friends and clients.

All images are copyright © 2008 Famiglia Ruffolo.