In 1972, one of the most outspoken and heated conflicts took place between Wim Crouwel and Jan van Toorn. The debate between the two well-established Dutch graphic designers illustrated the tension between their differing views regarding the proper function of graphic design. The essay aims to expand and clarify the two men’s arguments through an analysis of postage stamps designed by them.

_{Thesis written by Adelia Lim during her Honours Programme in Glasgow School of Art}