02/10/2025
Georges Huel (1930–2019) was a renowned Canadian graphic designer, born in Montreal, whose career spanned advertising, branding, and cultural projects. He founded his own studio in the 1960s and became a pivotal figure in Quebec's modernist design scene, emphasizing simplicity, symmetry, and functionality. Huel's most iconic work is the emblem for the 1976 Montreal Olympics (Games of the XXI Olympiad), co-designed with Pierre-Yves Pelletier.
Commissioned in 1972 by Mayor Jean Drapeau—Huel's longtime friend—without an open competition, the logo bypassed global submissions to favor a local talent. Unveiled in 1975, it ingeniously integrates an "M" for Montréal with the five Olympic rings: the rings form the M's curves, evoking a victor's podium, a stadium track, and medal ribbons. Rendered in solid red Univers typeface, it symbolized unity and Quebecois pride amid the Games' historic first for Canada (July 17–August 1, 1976).
Huel aimed for "clean and neat" efficiency, building on predecessors like Mexico '68 and Munich '72. The design's grid-based standards manual ensured precise reproduction across medals, posters, and venues. Though the Olympics faced financial scandals, the logo endures as a Canadian design triumph, influencing global branding and even the beaver mascot Amik (also under Huel's oversight). Huel later reflected on its "obvious" genius, regretting it wasn't used earlier.