Problematyka i perspektywy badań nad sygnaturami polskich projektantów graficznych XX w.

Polish graphic design was undoubtedly undergoing its renaissance in the first half of the 20th century, attracting hundreds of talented artists who left behind an impressive number of works: posters, covers, illustrations, advertisement graphics, packaging designs, etc. Modern identification of the authors of these designs is only possible thanks to visible markings – signatures and symbols left behind by their creators. Signatures of that time, which can be found on projects replicated with the use of graphic and printing techniques, have the unique specificity that sets them apart from, for example, painters’ signatures or craftsmen’s marks. Specificity of both the signatures and the media among which we can find them requires vigilance while conducting research that is difficult due to still incomplete knowledge regarding the designers themselves or the signatures they used. In response to these shortcomings, a proposal to create a catalogue of visual signatures in the form of a digital database was formed. The article discusses theproposal and various potential technical solutions, alongside a short review of the already existing projects, experiences of which are worth considering in future endeavours.