Irene Delano (Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., 1919 – San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1982)
Graphic designer, illustrator, and artist-in-residence at the Museum, she designed exhibitions and numerous posters that we cherish today.
Irene Delano and her husband, Jack Delano, established their permanent residence in Puerto Rico in 1946. As part of her collaboration with the government, Irene organized the first silkscreen and engraving workshop at the Commission of Public Parks and Recreation. Two years later, she was appointed director of the Division of Community Education (DIVEDCO). This division's creative team would become a renowned artistic force in the country.
She was a direct and integral influence on what would become known as the Fifties Generation of graphic arts in Puerto Rico, as well as a creative powerhouse in her own right. After her government work, she dedicated herself to developing her own artistic projects in her studio. She designed beautiful illustrated children's books, literary portfolios, posters, magazines, pamphlets, album covers, and Christmas cards, many of which were awarded and celebrated during her career.
Part of her artistic production was collaborative in nature; she often worked with her husband, as well as with other artists, writers, and creatives. Irene and Jack were lifelong friends and collaborators of La Casa del Libro.