04.2026
De Brock Gallery:
Minimal typography in art
Working for an art gallery like Patrick De Brock Gallery calls for restrained design. We deliberately chose inobtrusive typography, allowing the design to stand on its own, entirely in service of the artwork.
01.
Graphic design
Patrick De Brock is a respected name in Knokke-Heist’s art scene. Patrick carefully curates his exhibitions and his selections are uncompromising. We had the privilege of designing books and invitations for four artists: Bernard Frize, Ethan Cook, Jason Martin and Alan Charlton. And yes, this required a different mindset than typical “graphic design work.”
Some graphic design cries out to be seen and some is made to blend into the background. Here, we consciously chose the latter approach – typography that doesn’t attract attention to itself, yet works perfectly because of its subtlety.
"It’s so powerful how Bureau Blanc translates our vision into strong design while completely unburdening us – clear, thoughtful and precise down to the last detail."
— Patrick De Brock
02.
Typography
We drew inspiration from graphic movements of the 1950s, particularly the Swiss Style and the Dutch academic tradition, exemplified by Piet C. Cossee.
In these schools, form, colour and image take centre stage, while typography remains quietly in the background. It is starkly different from commercial graphic design, where typography is often visually dominant. This design is the opposite. It doesn’t impose itself on the viewer, but leaves space for all that truly matters: the artist’s work.
We used carefully selected typefaces, precise spacing and a thoughtful rhythm to determine whether the design felt right.
03.
Our work
Bernard Frize
Colour, structure, repetition. And a book that breathes what he creates.
Frize works with processes and we echoed those processes in our choice of paper and rhythm.
Softcover book
- Cover: Colorplan Park Green, 350 g/m²
- Inside: Munken Polar, 150 g/m²
Invitation
- Duplex laminated Chromolux White, 2× 350 g/m²
Ethan Cook
Weaving instead of painting, Ethan Cook dissolves the boundaries between art and textiles. His work is tactile, warm and geometric. We selected materials that express that same craftsmanship for the book.
Softcover book with flaps
- Cover: Sirio Color Cherry, 290 g/m²
- Foil stamping: Kurz Oranje 961 op cover én rug
- Inside: Condat Matt Périgord, 150 g/m²
Invitation
- Duplex laminated Chromolux White, 2× 350 g/m²
Jason Martin
Where painting meets sculpture. Jason Martin is known for monumental works where paint, metal and pigment become almost physical objects. We translated that tactile presence into the cover and finishing of the book, making it raw and heavy, yet refined.
Book (hardcover)
- Cover: White linen with black foil stamping
- Endpapers: Malmero Black, 165 g/m², unprinted
- Inside: Maco Silk, 200 g/m²
- Finishing: Sewn binding, straight hardcover, black head & tail bands
Photography: Dave Morgan
Alan Charlton
Alan Charlton is an artist who works only in grey, yet manages to capture deep expression. He explores the minimal in his painting. Nothing is superfluous. Every format and every crop is a statement. His invitation featured a die-cut shape which echoed his work.
Invitation
- Custom die-cut form with a flat grey design in a unique cap shape
04.
Photography
For this project, not only was the graphic design essential, but the photographic style also played a crucial role. The imagery aligns seamlessly with the typography – simple, balanced and entirely in service of the artwork.
