Theo Dimson:
Theo Dimson was a graphic designer known for his art deco style movie and theatre posters.
He began his career with a 3 year apprenticeship with Art Associates Limited in Toronto. After freelancing for 7 years, he rejoined AA as a vice-president of creative design. In 1965, he became president and director of a new partnership called Reeson Dimson and Smith Ltd. Later, it was named Dimson and Smith Ltd and it kept this name until Dimson created Theo Dimson Designs Inc. in 1985 where he was president and creative director.
Living in Toronto, he had close ties with the theatre community in Toronto and this influenced much of his works. His art deco style posters were dynamic, elegant, and creative and in 2010, a collection of his theatre posters were exhibited at the Theatre Museum of Canada. The exhibition was called “Distinctly Different- The Theatre Posters of Theo Dimson” and they showed his amazing pieces for many clients including, the Hart House, and most notably, George Luscombe of the Toronto Workshop Productions.
In addition to his posters, he has also made other significant contributions to the design world. He was commissioned by Canada Post to create stamps- two 17¢ stamps commemorating the War of 1812, and one 30¢ stamp that marks the centennial of the Salvation Army. He was also the author of Great Canadian Posters.
Theo Dimson has won awards and international recognition with his exhibits in Finland, Poland, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the US. His works have also been published in magazines from all around the world. In 1975, he was awarded Fellowship by the GDC, Senior Arts Fellowship by the Canada Council, the award of merit from the Directors Club of Toronto and Montreal as well as many others.
He is a member of many art and design organizations. These include the Royal Canadian Academy of Art, Associate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Fellow of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, Alliance graphique international, and the Advertising and Design Club of Canada.
Theo Dimson is a well-respected graphic designer and his works were well celebrated. A designer with a long career, he lived life by his quote: “See life as a 10-year-old. Dress like an 18-year-old. Think like a 25-year-old.”
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References:
- “Theo Dimson, FGDC.” GDC (Graphic Designers of Canada) | Theo Dimson, FGDC, gdc.design/fellows/theo-dimson-fgdc.
- Amy. “Distinctly Different: The Theatre Posters of Theo Dimson.” Theatre Museum Canada, 8 Jan. 2018, theatremuseum.ca/distinctly-different-the-theatre-posters-of-theo-dimson/.
- Mackay, Susan Ferrier. “Poster of a Man.” Globeandmail.com, v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20120227.OBDIMSONATL/BDAStory/BDA/deaths.