Designer: | Geesink, Joop (1913–1984) |
Country: | Benelux |
Decade: | 1960 |
Dimensions: | 101.5 x 63.5 cm | 39.9606299211 x 24.9999999999 inches |
Condition: | Almost good | | B - |
Publisher: | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines |
Category: |
Airline/Aviation |
This is an original vintage advertisement poster for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, designed by Dutch animator and filmmaker Joop Geesink. Known for his work in stop-motion and animation, Geesink created whimsical, detailed miniature sets and figures, which are beautifully showcased in this piece. The poster promotes KLM's global service with the tagline, "Anywhere in the world fly comfortably by KLM," highlighting both the airline’s extensive reach and the promise of comfort while traveling.
The artwork is divided into four quadrants, each representing a different part of the world, depicted with stylized, handcrafted miniature scenes. In the top left, a Mediterranean-style village is shown, complete with whitewashed buildings, vibrant market scenes, and locals in traditional dress watching a plane overhead. The top right features a sunny coastal resort, where tourists relax under a pergola and wave to an arriving aircraft. The bottom left showcases a tropical landscape with palm trees and a mountainous backdrop, where a traveler walks through a village with a fruit basket. The bottom right illustrates a stylized African village with thatched huts, traditionally dressed figures, and chickens in the foreground, while a plane soars above.
Joop Geesink began his collaboration with KLM in 1952, creating charming animated mascots like Loeki de Leeuw, originally designed to honor the Dutch national football team. His unique style is instantly recognizable here—playful, colorful, and rich with visual storytelling.
The poster remains visually engaging but is in almost good condition. There is a large tear at the bottom, along with age-related wear, some creasing, and crumbling, particularly around the edges. Despite these flaws, it’s a rare and characterful piece that captures mid-century travel aesthetics and the magic of early airline advertising.