Hans Pape

The painter and commercial graphic designer Hans Pape studied in Hamburg and München after an apprenticeship as a house painter. He was seriously injured in World War I. From 1925 Pape taught for 35 years at the School of Applied Arts and Crafts in Münster. He left behind an extensive body of work as an illustrator and designed numerous publications and symbols for the city of Münster. His style, initially close to Expressionism and working with hard contrasts, was gradually replaced by a more objective, realistic representation.

The original document designed by Pape for the Reich youth competitions was apparently in use from 1929-1932. However, the text changed slightly. In addition, a draft of a certificate for the city of Münster could be discovered. Whether it is the one submitted as Kohlurkunde (literally Cabbage Certificate) is unknown. The term “Kohlurkunde” is unknown in Münster today.