Pe'l Schlechter (* 1921; † 2026)

It is with deep regret and profound gratitude that LUXBD asbl announces the passing of Pe’l Schlechter, one of the founding fathers and most influential figures of Luxembourg's cultural and comic landscape. Pe’l Schlechter passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 105.

Born on April 20, 1921, in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg, Paul „Pe’l“ Schlechter’s life spanned more than a century, during which he significantly shaped the artistic and literary landscape of our country. As a versatile graphic designer, illustrator, and author, he moved seamlessly between disciplines throughout his career. Following his formative training at the Handwerkerschule (including the decorative painting class taught by Josy Meyers), his forced conscription, and his subsequent survival in the underground during World War II, he decisively shaped Luxembourg's visual identity. He later documented his wartime experiences in his renowned memoirs "De Pol muss an de Krich", which won the "Lëtzebuerger Buchpräis" in 2013. Professionally, he worked as an in-house graphic designer, poster artist, creating iconic designs for the "Loterie Nationale" and the "Schueberfouer" and illustrator.

His creative output covered a remarkably broad spectrum of visual design. Alongside posters, book covers, and comic strips, his portfolio encompassed applied graphics such as stamps, logos, exlibris, and business stationery, as well as three-dimensional works including medals, exhibition displays, theater sets, and interior arrangements.

His contribution to graphic literature and sequential art remains particularly significant. Shortly after World War II, he created Luxembourg’s first historically relevant comic strips for the magazine "Revue", featuring the characters "De Bim an de Jopi " including the stories "De ve'ereckege Rondel" and "De bloen Hari". Consequently, Pe’l Schlechter is regarded as one of the true founders of comics in Luxembourg, alongside Gab Weis and Felix Mersch. His extensive body of work also includes illustrating complete editions of classic Luxembourgish literature, ranging from Michel Rodange and Dicks to Auguste Liesch, as well as precise adaptations such as the Luxembourgish "Struwwelpéiter" and his late-career prose and poetry collections.

With the passing of Pe’l Schlechter, Luxembourg loses an exceptional artist, a pioneer of the bande dessinée, and a perceptive chronicler of his homeland. LUXBD asbl honors his extensive life's work, his significant contribution to sequential art, and his enduring legacy, which will live on in our archives and in the history of Luxembourgish comics.