Michael Schwab

Michael Schwab (August 9, 1853 – June 29, 1898) was a German-American labor organizer and one of the defendants in the Haymarket Square incident.

Early years

Schwab was born in Bad Kissingen, Franconia in Germany and was, by trade, a bookbinder. He emigrated to the United States in 1879 and lived variously in Chicago, Milwaukee and the Western U.S. before settling permanently in Chicago in 1881.

Activism

Schwab became an activist even before emigrating to the United States, having written articles for several radical German newspapers. He joined the German Social Democratic Party in 1872. In the U.S., he became involved in the workers' rights movement, first joining the Socialist Labor Party and later joining the International Working Persons Association and helping to form North-Side Group faction of that organization. He began writing and eventually became co-editor of the Arbeiter-Zeitung, an anarchist newspaper for German immigrant workers. He was very active in the 8-hour day movement.

Michael Schwab (artist)

Michael Schwab (1952) is an American graphic artist and illustrator. He operates the Michael Schwab Studio outside of San Francisco, California and is best known for his work with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, American corporations, and arts institutions. His work is included in the collections of Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the San Francisco MoMa, and the National Portrait Gallery. He is also the subject of the 2001 book The Graphic Art of Michael Schwab.

Early life and education

Schwab was born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma. During his childhood, Schwab developed an affinity for artwork, specifically designing posters and other public art pieces for his schoolmates. He has stated that he was “excited about lettering design and wild illustration,” such as those found on posters and in magazines during the 1950s and 60s. He has also stated that he found inspiration in the early 20th century poster artists of Western Europe. Schwab moved to Texas in 1970 to attend the design and illustration program at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University, Commerce for two years. He later attended the New York City’s School of Visual Arts where he lived in the Chelsea Hotel for a year while studying graphic design. Finally, Schwab headed to the Art Center College of Design California where he graduated with a degree in graphic design. While in Los Angeles, Schwab produced work for music executives including Roland Young at A&M Records and Mike Salisbury at Rolling Stone.