Category: Poster History

Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa (24 November 1864 – 9 September 1901), better known as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, was a painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator. His work was inspired by the 19th century Parisian nightlife that surrounded him and he’s artwork perfectly captures its colourful flamboyance and seedy charm.     The years Toulouse-Lautrec […]

Posters are an art form in their own right. They can be used as a powerful form of advertising. Air France is an airline which appreciated both sides to the medium and created highly artistic and highly effective travel posters. Some of the Air France posters are amongst the most iconic travel posters.   Also […]

This article about Swissair posters is one of five articles about airline vintage posters. Other airlines which are covered are TWA, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air France.   Aviation can be linked to nearly all the major developments of the 20th century. One of the greatest changes it brought about was the commercialisation of […]

When commercial air travel first became readily accessible to the public it was considered a highly luxurious and novel experience which could provide great fun and excitement.   In these early golden years of air travel, when it was all wonder and glamour, vivid design elements and posters were used by the leading airlines to […]

Images of faraway places are often the source of inspiration to start planning a holiday. Airline companies in the 1950s quickly realized this and tapped into their hugely persuasive power.   Travel posters boomed in popularity as a way for airlines to encourage travelling and promote their services. The posters were heavily image-based and used […]

The travel and tourism industry, including major airlines, used vintage posters to sell dreams to the public and thereby poster artist designed some of the most iconic and fantastic vintage posters.   TWA posters are amongst the most sought after airline and travel posters. Other airlines which extensively used posters for advertising included United Airlines, American […]

Swiss style graphic design, which is also often referred to as International Typographic Style or International Style, is a design movement which emerged during the 1950’s in Switzerland.   It is more than likely you encounter and engage with Swiss style graphic design every day. Ever since its emergence it has arguably become the most […]

Posters are indicators of cultural, political, economic, and social realities of the epochs in which they were created. They are mostly used for advertising, spreading information and public announcements. Even though the purpose of posters has not significantly changed, the use of posters and the poster design have evolved over time. The history of poster […]