Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Vargas and The Turning Heads.

Born in Peru in 1896, Alberto Vargas is probably the best known Pinup/Glamour artist. Arriving in America by 1916, after studying in Europe, Vargas quickly began obssesed with the notion of the American Girl, and dedicated most of his work to glorifying her.

His early career included work as an artist for the theatrical productions The Zigfield Follies, and creative designs for many hollywood studios. His best known film work was the poster for the 1933 film The Sin of Nora Moran. 


The next image is titled "Daydream', and the date of publication/creation is unknown. Although the original piece did not include the inscription at the bottom left hand side, this is from a published calendar series, and the text reads:

October
October is a lovely month
Of Yellows and of Reds,
The leaves start turning golden
And I start turning heads!




More info on Vargas Here.

Images are copyrighted to the original artist.

Sunday, 25 July 2010

Deco-Metro

This poster was designed by American artist Edward McKnight Kauffer, and published by the Underground Electric Railway Company of London in 1931. The design demonstrates the importance and impact of electric rail travel in the 1930s urban settings. The image unites "man and machine as the powerful driving forces behind London's Underground".



Well under the influence of the typographical styles by the Bauhaus School, Kauffer achieved contemporary developments in art and design. As many of the posters/ads of the 1920s and 30s, this design suggests the influence of Futurism and the heavily predominant Art Deco of that era. Text reads: "Power- The Nerve Centre of Londons Underground."

Bicycle Ad

From 1915, this advertisement is for Fongers, one of the first bicycle manufacturers from the Netherlands. Established in 1900, Fongers set themselves apart from other European companies with technologically advanced bicycles, becoming the official supplier to the Dutch Army and other administrative services. 


The poster, designed by F.G. Schlette, illustrates the "spirit of Fongers as a cutting edge tool in military mobility". The inscription at the bottom reads: "Currently only used by our military". Additional information on the company can be found Here.


Friday, 23 July 2010

3 Words

On November 9th, 1918, Philipp Scheidemann, a German Social Democratic politician, proclaimed the German Republic. The next day, the German Social Democratic Party and the Independent German Social Democratic Party established a provisional government with Friedrich Ebert as Reich Chancellor. The first task designated by the new government was to issue a call for free and democratic elections for seats in the National Assembly.


Leading up to the elections, German streets flooded with political posters, marking a new trend in political propaganda that would sustain itself for years to come. This one was designed by H. Richter, in 1920. The text reads: "3 Words: Undisturbed demobilization, construction of the republic, peace."

Irish McCalla


Here's a b&W pic of american-born actress Irish McCalla. Best known for starring in the television series Sheena, Queen of The Jungle (1955-56), McCalla was also a member of the Woman Artists of the American West, and has over 1,000 paintings credited to her name. She died in 2002 at the age of 74, from a stroke.


DOWNLOAD
Here's a set of wallpapers I made from the photograph (800x500): Irish McCalla
Album password: delirium