The 1958 original poster by Roger Excoffon for Air France: Paris-Tokyo par le Pôle is a masterful example of mid-20th century graphic design and a celebration of Air France's pioneering spirit in international travel. This poster marked a significant achievement in the aviation industry, promoting the airline's ambitious route connecting Paris to Tokyo via the North Pole—an innovative path that reduced travel time and opened new frontiers for global air travel.
Roger Excoffon, one of France's most prominent graphic designers and typographers of the era, created a piece that reflected the modernity and optimism of postwar aviation. Known for his dynamic, bold style, Excoffon's work highlighted Air France's global reach while evoking a sense of adventure and elegance.
The poster emphasizes the innovative route taken by Air France, showcasing the airline's leadership in aviation. Its design communicates a sense of efficiency, progress, and sophistication while aligning with the luxury and prestige associated with Air France during this period. The composition captures the monumental nature of this route, evoking the excitement and achievement of intercontinental air travel at a time of rapid technological advancements.
The late 1950s was a transformative period in commercial aviation, with airlines competing to establish faster, more efficient routes. Air France's Paris-Tokyo "par le Pôle" service symbolized a milestone in aviation history, utilizing advancements in navigation that allowed pilots to chart a course over the Arctic region. This achievement not only shortened flight durations but also demonstrated the airline's commitment to innovation and global connectivity.
Air France, recognized for its excellence in service and branding, frequently collaborated with leading artists of the time to create posters that inspired wanderlust and national pride. These works of art served as representations of luxury, adventure, and exploration during an era when flying was still regarded as an exclusive and thrilling experience.
The 1958 Air France: Paris-Tokyo par le Pôle poster is celebrated today as an important piece of aviation history and design heritage. It represents the golden age of air travel when international flights embodied progress and elegance. For collectors and enthusiasts, this work remains a symbol of the pioneering spirit and artistic vision that defined an extraordinary moment in time.
Original Poster
Airline - Tourism - Japan - France - Asia
Printed by Sapho
Good condition, slight restorations
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