Bernard Villemot

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Bernard Villemot (1911, Trouville-sur-Mer – 1989) was a French graphic artist known primarily for his iconic advertising images for Orangina,[1] Bally Shoe,[2] Perrier, and Air France. He was known for a sharp artistic vision that was influenced by photography,[3] and for his ability to distill an advertising message to a memorable image with simple, elegant lines and bold colors.[4]

Biography[]

From 1932 to 1934, he studied in Paris with artist Paul Colin,[5] who was considered a master of Art Deco.[6] From 1945 to 1946, Villemot prepared posters for the Red Cross.[5] In the late 1940s, he also began a famous series of travel posters for Air France that would continue for decades.[5] In 1949, Villemot's works were exhibited with those of his contemporary poster artist Raymond Savignac at the Gallery of Beaux Arts in Paris.[5] In 1953, Villemot began designing logos and posters for the new soft drink Orangina, and over time these works would become some of his best known.[5] In 1963, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris held an exhibition of his works.[5] By the end of his life in 1989, he was known as one of the last great poster artists,[4] and many collectors and critics consider him to be the "painter-laureate of modern commercial art."[7]

Since his death in 1989, his memorable images have been increasingly sought after by collectors.[8][9] At least three books have been published that survey his art: "Les affiches de Villemot," by Jean-Francois Bazin (1985); "Villemot: l’affiche de A à Z," by Guillaume Villemot (2005);[5] and "Embracing an icon: the posters of Bernard Villemot," by George H. Bon Salle (2015).[10]

References[]

  1. ^ The Buy: Orangina Poster. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  2. ^ "New Straits Times - Google News Archive Search".
  3. ^ Raymond Savignac, 94, French Poster Artist – New York Times. Nytimes.com (1 November 2002). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  4. ^ a b When It Comes To Posters, Collectors Can'T Afford To Get Hung Up On The Masters. Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (25 September 1988). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Villemot (1911–1989) – Les Arts Décoratifs – Site officiel. Lesartsdecoratifs.fr. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  6. ^ Free Press Release News Wire. The Open Press (31 July 2004). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  7. ^ Today'S Deep-Pocketed Collectors Are Sold On The Art Of Advertising. Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (26 October 1993). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  8. ^ Prices off the wall for vintage posters. Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (14 May 1992). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  9. ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5877303_ITM
  10. ^ http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/907451064
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