A colourful 1959 Swissair travel poster advertising flights to the United States. Donald Brun combines a stylised Native American figure with geometric skyscrapers, a small Swissair aircraft and buildings arranged to suggest the American flag. A warm red background brings together the bold blue, white and orange shapes.
Originally designed in 1958, it captures the imaginative approach of mid-century airline advertising, using recognisable cultural symbols to represent a destination. The combination of expressive illustration and sharply simplified architecture gives it a strong graphic presence.
A travel poster printed by Swiss Air in 1959
Designed by Donald Brun
Printed in Switzerland
Printing method: colour offset lithography on paper
Printed by Frobenius AG, Basel.
Dimensions: 40 x 26 in (102 x 64 cm)
Condition: pinholes, see photos.
Donald Brun (1909–1999) was a Swiss graphic designer from Basel and an important figure in twentieth-century poster design. He combined skilled illustration, strong colour and inventive compositions to make advertisements immediately recognisable. He also taught design and helped establish the Alliance Graphique Internationale in 1952. This Swissair poster shows his ability to bring expressive drawing and simple geometric shapes together in one memorable image.
Swissair was the national airline of Switzerland between its founding in 1931 to 2002. For most of its 71 years, Swissair was one of the major international airlines and known as the "Flying Bank" due to its financial stability, causing it to be regarded as a Swiss national symbol and icon. It was headquartered at Zurich Airport, Kloten. Swiss International Air Lines was taken over by the German airline Lufthansa in 2005.
Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.
When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.
These posters are sent as unframed. They will be delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.
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