Christian Schwartz awarded Prix Charles Peignot

New York-based type designer Christian Schwartz has been awarded the eighth Prix Charles Peignot at a ceremony in Brighton, UK.

Posted on 16 September 2007 by Mark Barratt, Brighton, UK

The Prix Charles Peignot is given occasionally to recognise an outstanding body of work from a designer under 35.

Christian Schwartz has rapidly established himself in the type design world with a series of type design projects – often in collaboration with others – which have gathered praise and awards around the world.

The extensive Guardian Egyptian family for the Guardian newspaper's dramatic relaunch in 2005 – developed with Paul Barnes – won a black pencil from D&AD in 2006, while his work with Erik Spiekermann on Deutsche Bahn was given a gold medal by the German Design Council in 2007.

Since his first published typeface at age 14, Christian has worked on or created 26 typefaces for display and text setting.

The Prix Charles Peignot is awarded by a deliberately shadowy jury of the type world's top designers, convened and managed by the President of ATypI 'when appropriate'. In practice the Prix has been awarded eight times since its establishment in 1982. There is no physical prize or cash award – the Prix is simply the highest mark of esteem which the typographic community can give to one of its members. A booklet commemorating this year's award has been published by the Association.

Jean François Porchez, outgoing President of the Association and a previous winner of the Prix, said: "His accomplished work displays incredible diversity and high quality. ATypI is honored to have his amongst its members."