Bezoert Damme Circa 1950

This evocative poster titled “Bezoekt Damme” (“Visit Damme”) was created around circa 1950 by Belgian artist Toon Devaere and promotes the small historic town of Damme, near Bruges, in West Flanders. Blending romantic imagery with architectural symbolism, the poster captures the quiet, timeless atmosphere that made Damme a cherished cultural and tourist destination in postwar Belgium.

The composition presents a poetic cityscape at dusk or dawn: medieval stone buildings and a tall Gothic tower rise in silhouette against a softly glowing sky, while a traditional windmill anchors the right side of the image. In the foreground, a tranquil canal filled with blooming water lilies introduces a dreamlike stillness, contrasting gently with the monumental architecture behind it. This balance between nature and heritage reflects Damme’s identity as both a historic town and a peaceful retreat.

Devaere’s palette is restrained and atmospheric, dominated by warm ochres, muted browns, and shadowed blacks. The stylized treatment of the lilies and foliage gives the scene a slightly surreal quality, aligning the work with the mid-century revival of artistic travel posters that favored mood and emotion over literal representation. The bold, hand-drawn typography of “Bezoekt Damme” reinforces the poster’s graphic impact while remaining harmoniously integrated into the image.

Produced during a period when Belgium actively promoted regional tourism, this poster belongs to a broader movement of postwar European travel advertising that sought to rediscover national heritage, calm landscapes, and historic towns after years of upheaval. Rather than depicting crowds or activity, Devaere invites the viewer into a contemplative vision of Damme—serene, cultured, and steeped in history.

Today, “Bezoekt Damme” is appreciated not only as a piece of tourism ephemera but also as a refined example of Belgian graphic art of the 1950s. Its combination of romantic atmosphere, architectural reverence, and elegant design makes it a highly appealing work for collectors of vintage travel posters and mid-century illustration.

Original Poster

Tourism - Belgium

Printed by Vonksteen in Langemark

Good condition, slight creases