Hong Kong’s one and only specialist vintage poster gallery, Picture This, is pleased to present “The Art of Advertising”. This exhibition for sale is a celebration of classic and memorable posters dating from 1920 to 1970 that were created to promote products, advertise travel destinations and carriers, and publicise movies.

Highlights of this exhibition include pieces by master designer Leonetto Cappiello (b. 1875 Livorno, Italy – d. 1942 Cannes, France). Often referred to as the father of modern advertising, Cappiello was a true innovator in graphic design. One of the first to place bold, colourful characters on luscious, dark backgrounds, Cappiello’s posters just as effectively captured the attention of the Parisian street passerby of the 1900s as they do the avid poster collector of today. The artist’s Job Papier à Cigarettes (pictured left), featuring a majestic- looking and rosy-cheeked bearded smoker, is a classic example of his skill and unmistakable style.

Other commercial advertising posters featured in the exhibition include the work of French graphic artist Raymond Savignac (b. 1907 Paris – d. 2002 Trouville, France). Creator of more than 600 works of art and with a career spanning more than fifty years, Savignac is known for his humourous and simple designs. But Savignac’s posters did much more than just rouse curiosity by making the public smile. His visual gags, with their bright, clean colours displayed the optimism of postwar France.

Working under the direction of Adolphe-Mouron Cassandre, another highly influential designer, Savignac developed an undemanding, joyful, and witty style that was very much his own. Able to reach an audience of all ages, nationalities, and eras, it is easy to see how Savignac’s posters remain hugely popular to this day.

Other highlights from this exhibition include rare and early airline and shipping posters issued by, among others, B.O.A.C, British Airways, Philippine Air Lines, Pan American, and American President Lines. Far-East and Pacific destinations covered include China, Burma, Japan and New Zealand. The exhibition also features a selection of stunning vintage posters for popular Irish, French, and Swiss destinations.

Opening Cocktail Party: 6th April, 6-9pm