Poverty, unemployment and the conservative government were responsible for growing anger and frustration. It was Paris, under the government of General Charles de Gaulle, in the year 1968 that a mass movement for social change was born. Walkouts, strikes and demonstrations were undertaken by millions of French workers. These circumstances led to the forming of ATELIER POPULAIRE and subsequently, the first posters of the revolt. A group of students from the Ecole des Beaux Arts met in the lithographic department to produce these Atelier Populaire (Popular Workshop) posters, the first of which read, “Usines, Unversites, Union”
The art school was eventually occupied by art students and painters so that they were able to produce more posters. Their aim was to ‘give concrete support to the great movement the workers on strike who are occupying their factories in defiance of the Guallist government’. With profoundly provocative messages, these political posters were designed and created anonymously and distributed for free, as a result they were seen all over France. With simple, but bold images and messages, the posters were very influential in late 60s France, yet are still thought to resonate even now.
The prints we have were printed in 1968, and can be framed for preservation. Collectively, they make up a 96-page book as each poster is double sided and we have available every design. Due to the age of the posters, the colouring is slightly off-white but still in incredible condition.
Dimensions: 11” wide x 16” high (400mm x 280 mm)
Condition: Pristine
Posters can be shipped in a flat, firm envelope. If you prefer the item shipped in a tube, please let us know.