TEHRAN -- The late Morteza Momayyez’s old friends Frenchman Alain Le Quernec and Dutchman Ben Boss delivered speeches at a ceremony on the birth anniversary of the graphic designer at the Iranian Artists Forum here on Monday, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Tuesday.

Momayyez, Boss, and Le Quernec befriended 30 years ago in France when they were members of the AGI (Alliance Graphique Internationale).

Boss mentioned Momayyez’ proficiency saying he was inspired by the artists very often in his career.

He believes that the artists should exchange their knowledge and experience with each other worldwide.

Boss is still an advocate of black and white photography and owns a collection of slides and photos of this type.

Le Quernec also said that Momayyez was not just a kind man with a charming smile, but he was very determined.

He has deigned a poster in commemoration of Momayyez.

Boss and Le Quernec are also planning to hold an exhibition of their students’ design works for Iranian art students during their stay in the country.

Momayyez died of prostate cancer in Tehran on Nov. 26, 2005. He was regarded as the father of graphic design in Iran and was the chairman of the board of directors of the Iranian Graphic Designers Society from 1988 to 2004.

He was honored by the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA) with a lifetime achievement award in April 2004.