POSTER GALLERY

n the age before disco balls and spandex, roller skating was a sophisticated, romanticized activity. In fact, this poster claims that the rink on the Champs-Élysées was "where elegant people meet," as is also evident in the accompanying image of a well-to-do couple gliding along on wheels like figures in a Chéret ice skating poster.

Formed in England by Thomas Humber in 1869, Humber Cycles would eventually, like so many bicycle companies, become dominated by its automobile division. At the turn of the century, though, bicycles were still all the rage, as can be seen in this dreamy design which gives a heavy nod to Mucha’s poster for Cycles Perfecta. In both, only a hint of the bicycle is shown, while the heavenly muse grabs our attention.

18½ x 23¾in. (47 x 60cm.) 

C. 1905 Ernst Montaut (1879-1909) Better known for his racing imagery, Montaut here gives us a busy street scene through which both buggy and car must navigate. What better tool to rely on for this purpose that Cabanne-Nirouet, an all-purpose lubricant that keeps things running smoothly.

The War was 1936-1939 so I really don't understand the timing of this poster. Droulliet flew a Beechcraft model 17 Staggerwing biplane...

date? Candido Aragonez de Faria(1849-1911) Grand Championnat wrestling poster. Research has turned up nothing regarding this Faria poster. I think this sort of poster was printed in advance and travelled ahead of the show, where local printers would add time , date and location information.

c.1972 Charles Lapicque (1898-1988) In 1968, The Olympic Organizing Committee decided to produce a series of artistic posters to "represent the intertwining of sports and art worldwide." A series of 24 sport posters and 29 Art posters were developed. This one by French artist Charles Lapicque.

c.1933 signed: Schenkel (?-?) Poster for the opening of "Sportpaleis Antewerpen" in Antwerp Belgium. When it opened in 1933, it was the largest indoor arena in Europe. Sportpaleis is still used... Billboard Magazine lists it as the second most visited event hall int the world, only Madison Square Garden has had more visitors.

c.1946 Noel Fontanet (1898-1982) Yet another Noel Fontanet poster... This poster is so striking. The imperial eagle is almost typographic.

c.1924 Roger Broders (1883-1953) Another Roger Broders poster. This one for the French Railway - Paris Lyon Mediteranée Company (PLM), who commissioned Broders' poster art, sponsoring his travel so he could visit the locations he would later paint.

c.1930 Roger Broders (1883-1953) Printed by the Chemins de fer D''Alsace et de Lorraine (Railways of Alsace and Lorraine. Broders illustrated more than 100 travel posters in his career. His subjects were usually scenic in nature. his posters that contained people were notable for their contemporary fashion sense.

c.1960 Munetsugu Satomi (1900-1995) Japanese born Satomi arrived in Paris in 1922, and was quickly recognized as an exceptional talent. He was lucky enough to work for a little while with Cassandre in his studio, though not evident in this poster, the master's influence on the young Japanese artist's earlier work.

c.1954 Werner Weiskönig (1907-1982) Held in Swizerland, The tournament was won by West Germany, who defeated Hungary 3-2 in the final, giving them their first title. The Hungarians were the favorites going into the tournament, but Adi Dassler provided the German team with interchangeable cleats on that rainy game day.

c.1880 Albert Robida (1848-1926) Book illustration. Futuristic view of air travel over Paris as people leave the Opera. Many types of aircraft are depicted including buses and limousenes, police patrol the skies. Bespin.

c.1950 Lucien Boucher (1889-1971) Boucher designed many map posters for Air France's exotic destinations like "French Indochina" and "Extreme Orient"... this 'planisphere' motif is really busy with tiny Lockheed Constellations and Vickers Viscounts crossing the globe.

c.1945 Nöel Fontanet (1898-1982) Another Noel Fontanet poster... this one is actually pretty small - 26" x 19". I didn't know what we call "foosball" in America dated back that far! simple fun illustration.

c.1938 Anonymous The Boston and Maine Railroad ran regular winter service from Boston’s North Station to New England ski destinations. this image was also used on brochures and the trains menu for the 1938-39 ski season.