Polish Film Posters: 1954 – 1970, BFI
Eastern European spin on post-war British cinema: a unique display of Polish posters for British films at this BFI exhibition
Mandy (Dir. Alexander Mackendrick) Designed by Jan Lenica
British films in Eastern Europe
In the aftermath of World War II, when Europe was still adjusting to a cultural reshuffle, British films began to filter East for the first time. Many of these films found their way into Poland, where they were colourfully advertised by the newly formed Polish School of Posters.
What was the School of Posters?
Founded by Henryk Tomaszewski , the School of Posters was an association of artists who were granted free reign in vibrant and often abstract interpretations of Western films. Tomaszewski felt that the artwork that accompanied these movies when they entered Poland was too commercial, leading the way for a radically different interpretation.
BFI London exhibition
The exhibition at the BFI, London looks at the golden age of the Polish School of Posters, which spanned the late 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s. They began as painterly interpretations of film characters, but these posters soon came to reflect the complexity of emerging European cinema as the School grew and became more sure of itself.
This latest quirky exhibition in London from the British Film Institute special collection gives an extraordinary insight into the art of poster making.
In the aftermath of World War II, when Europe was still adjusting to a cultural reshuffle, British films began to filter East for the first time. Many of these films found their way into Poland, where they were colourfully advertised by the newly formed Polish School of Posters.
What was the School of Posters?
Founded by Henryk Tomaszewski , the School of Posters was an association of artists who were granted free reign in vibrant and often abstract interpretations of Western films. Tomaszewski felt that the artwork that accompanied these movies when they entered Poland was too commercial, leading the way for a radically different interpretation.
BFI London exhibition
The exhibition at the BFI, London looks at the golden age of the Polish School of Posters, which spanned the late 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s. They began as painterly interpretations of film characters, but these posters soon came to reflect the complexity of emerging European cinema as the School grew and became more sure of itself.
This latest quirky exhibition in London from the British Film Institute special collection gives an extraordinary insight into the art of poster making.
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| What | Polish Film Posters: 1954 – 1970, BFI |
| Where | BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, Southbank, London, SE1 8XT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Waterloo (underground) |
| When |
29 Jan 15 – 31 May 15, 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Price | £Free |
| Website | Click here for more details |