KLM - Holland

This charming original vintage KLM poster, likely from the late 1950s or early 1960s, showcases the whimsical and instantly recognizable style of Dutch animator Joop Geesink. Designed to promote tourism to the Netherlands, the poster carries the cheerful tagline, "HOLLAND — so easy to reach by KLM," accompanied by the line "KLM serves 118 cities in 74 countries," emphasizing the airline’s broad international reach.

The central figure is a rosy-cheeked character dressed in traditional Dutch attire, complete with a red scarf, black cap, and wooden clogs. He joyfully plays an accordion beside a basket overflowing with fresh fish, evoking the charm of a bustling Dutch fishing village. Behind him, stylized sailboats and classic wooden houses painted in shades of blue and white create a picturesque harbor scene. The atmosphere is light and inviting, with the backdrop reinforcing Holland’s maritime heritage.

In a clever touch of mid-century design, the word “HOLLAND” features a small aircraft cleverly flying through the lettering—specifically a Vickers Viscount 803, a British turboprop airliner famously used by KLM during that era. This ties the poster’s visual appeal to the airline’s fleet and era-specific branding. The KLM logo in the bottom right corner is framed by diagonal blue-and-white stripes, a design element introduced by the airline in 1958 and used prominently in both their branding and aircraft livery of the time.

In excellent condition, this poster stands out for its bold use of color, stylized characters, and nostalgic charm, all hallmarks of Geesink’s stop-motion legacy. It’s a delightful piece of travel and advertising history, capturing the spirit of Dutch culture and the optimism of mid-century aviation.