If you’ve been in my house or read some older Wry Home blog posts, you would know that I have a passion for 1950s posters. I use them all the time in home design (see here) because of the fabulous colors and bold graphic illustrations.
Jean Carlu, 1956
Vintage posters can be a reasonably priced alternative to other forms of artwork and make a big impact in a room.
Bernard Villemot
Many of the artists from the 1950s/1960s became quite well known for their product and travel posters. In 1949, French graphic artist Raymond Savignac’s works were exhibited with those of his contemporary graphic poster artist Bernard Villemot at the Gallery of Beaux Arts in Paris. Villemot designed logos and posters for Orangina, and over time these works would become some of his best known. In 1963, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris held an exhibition of his works and by the end of his life in 1989, he was known as one of the last great poster artists. Many collectors and critics consider him to be the “painter-laureate of modern commercial art.”
Jean Colin, 1960
Jean Colin studied at the college of decorative arts in Paris and taught there from 1951 on. His work was featured at numerous graphic arts exhibitions, and Colin himself was the founder of the Alliance Graphique Internationale.
Jean Colin
Jean Desaleux is another celebrated French illustrator of 1950s and ’60s posters.
Jean Desaleux
There is some stiff competition for a favorite graphic artist from this period!
1960 Olympia typewriter poster by Max Velthuys
1948 Italian Art Deco Poster by Faentine
1961 Italian Travel Poster
1950s Vitabrill ad
I have collected a quite a few vintage posters over the years.
Love the bright colors, whimsical designs and history – all rolled into one!
the wry home