Cyrk Smoking Chimpanzee 1964 B1 Polish Circus Poster, Swierzy

Wonderfully edgy design by Waldemar Swierzy features on this original Polish Circus / Cyrk poster from 1964. Simply smokin'!

The ‘Cyrk” circus poster in Poland appeared for the first time in 1962 when the ZPR (Zjednoczone Przedsiębiorstwa Rozrywkowe, or United Entertainment Enterprises), the state agency that oversaw the circus, commissioned leading artists from the Polish School of Posters to develop a modern approach to the circus poster.

The ZPR wanted a new look for the circus poster to complement the circus’ efforts to upgrade its image. Not intended to advertise specific performances, they, rather, celebrated the essence of the circus through rich artistic expression with designs typically featuring clever metaphors, bold colours and humour. Heavy in symbolism, provocative and highly original the designs remain contemporary to this day and continue to gain appreciation.

This first edition offset lithograph is sized 26 5/8 x 38 7/8 and in Excellent/Near Mint condition. It was originally folded but stored flat a long time so folds barely noticeable  and will be sent rolled (unframed). Just very little paper-loss bottom right corner and very little handling nicks on edges