Posterd designed by Bernard Villemot

The history of posters begins in the 15th century with woodcut broadsides, which were crude, text-heavy announcements selling everything from religious indulgences to political decrees. But the modern poster as we know it, emerged in the late 19th century, propelled by the Industrial Revolution and the blossoming field of lithography. This new technology allowed for mass production of vibrant, colourful images, perfect for capturing the attention of urban crowds.

Paris of the 1920s became the artistic hub for these posters. Jules Chéret, the "father of the modern poster," seduced onlookers with his graceful Art Nouveau figures promoting theatres and more... nightclubs. Alphonse Mucha, conjured up otherworldly beauty with his flowing gowns and dreamy landscapes for products like Sarah Bernhardt's theatrical productions.

The poster's purpose expanded in the early 20th century. Consumer brands like Coca-Cola and Guinness employed bold typography and iconic imagery to etch themselves into public consciousness. Political movements, too, seized upon the poster's persuasive power. Soviet propaganda posters with their heroic workers and steely gazes rallied support for the communist cause, while British wartime posters like "Keep Calm and Carry On" urged stoicism in the face of Nazi aggression.

Throughout the decades, the poster evolved with the times. The sleek minimalism of Art Deco graced cigarette advertisements, while Pop Art's bold colors and ironic imagery parodied consumer culture. The anti-war and civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s found powerful expression in posters featuring clenched fists and raised voices. And with the digital revolution, posters transcended physical walls, finding new life on websites and social media, their reach amplified yet again.

The poster's legacy endures today, as it continues to be a canvas for artistic expression, adorning gallery walls and inspiring contemporary designers. It remains a potent tool for activism, with climate change and social justice. less...

Bernard Villemot was a French graphic artist known primarily for his iconic advertising images for Orangina, Bally Shoe, Perrier, and Air France. He was was born in Trouville-sur-Mer, France, in 1911. He began his studies at the Académie Julian in Paris, but later transferred to the Paul Colin school, where he was influenced by Colin's Art Deco style.

Villemot's first poster was commissioned by the General Commission for Education in 1933. In the post-war years, Villemot produced many posters for the Red Cross and the French Resistance. He also began to design commercial posters, and more... by the late 1940s, he was one of the most sought-after poster artists in France.

His most famous works include his posters for Orangina, Bally Shoe, Perrier, and Air France. His Orangina posters feature a stylized image of a woman holding a glass of the soft drink. The Bally Shoe posters feature elegant women wearing Bally shoes. The Perrier posters feature a playful image of a bottle of Perrier with water bubbles shooting out of it. And the Air France posters feature whimsical images of people traveling to exotic destinations.

Villemot's work has been praised for its sophistication, its elegance, and its ability to communicate a message quickly and effectively. He is considered to be one of the most important poster artists of the 20th century. In addition to his work as a poster artist, Villemot also designed book covers, magazine illustrations, and theater sets. He was also a professor at the École supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris.

Villemot died in 1989 at the age of 77. His work continues to be popular today, and his posters are keenly sought after by collectors. less...