Discover the Artistic Brilliance of Polish Film Posters
Get ready to fall in love with these very special, iconic works of art!
Creating Impact With Polish Film Posters - Where Art & Cinema Intertwine
Polish film posters are not just advertisements for movies; they’re artistic gems in their own right, recognised as a distinct and influential school of poster art. Renowned for their bold graphics, striking imagery, and symbolic depth, these posters have captivated audiences worldwide and continue to inspire artists and designers to this day.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark authentic Polish film poster 1983
Lucia 1970 rare Polish film poster
Some Like It Hot - Marilyn Monroe Original Polish Film Poster
Be absorbed by the surreal beauty, dark humour, and poignant symbolism that characterise these iconic works of art. Each poster is a visual feast, a testament to the artistic ingenuity and creative brilliance of Polish poster artists.
You’re in for a treat!
These posters, deeply rooted in Poland’s rich cultural heritage, reflect the spirit of a nation and the power of cinema to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and transport us to different worlds.
The Fascinating History of Polish Film Posters
After World War II, Poland was under the Communist regime of Stalin and art at that time was heavily censored. Films from Hollywood and the UK were shown in Polish Cinemas but not their original posters. The state-owned Film Polski gave the artists carte blanche to design their own posters for these films. The artists were free to create their own wild and sometimes, obscure interpretations without state interference or pressure from the filmmakers.
“We all agreed that [the head of the State Film Agency] should not expect us to design anything that resembled Japanese, American, Russian, or Swiss posters. I was trying to find the essence of the film. I was trying to feel the impression that the film had on me, whether it was a lyrical film, comedy, drama, sport or war film. I wanted to illustrate this essence with my own language, in my own way.”
Professor Henryk Tomaszewski, poster designer. The ‘Father’ of The Polish School of Posters. Photographer: Jan Popłoński. Scanned from Ty i Ja monthly, Warsaw, December 1966. Public domain.
Kobieta naklejająca plakaty w Warszawie 1971. A woman sticking posters in Warsaw 1971. Public domain.
“The poster is there to seduce.”
Polish School of Posters street. Public domain.
“All (Polish) posters should be designed by individual artists who should have freedom of interpretation and artistic expression.”
Many of the artists were virtually unknown but have now become very famous in their own right. From Jaws to Star Wars; Cabaret to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - the Polish Poster Artists’ interpretations for advertising the films are quirky, imaginative artistic masterpieces. You could even play “Guess the Movie Title” with some of them! Of course, some of the films are not that well known but the artwork is fabulous. An example of this is The Ballad of Narayama - a Japanese film - we have two Polish versions of this film poster and both are stunning. One of these posters on your wall will be a striking piece of art as well as provide a great talking point.
These posters were truly ground-breaking and ahead of their time. They’re bold, surreal, dark, filled with humour, beauty and life! Symbolism and metaphors abound - these iconic and highly expressive works of art are intelligent, provocative and a feast for the eyes.
Visit the Gallery Shop: Browse Our Polish Film Posters Category
Transform your home, or wall, into a gallery of Polish cinematic artistry. Imagine the conversations that you’ll have as guests admire the symbolism, the intelligence, the bold strokes, and the sheer artistry of these posters.
Owning an original Polish film poster is not just about acquiring a rare piece of art; it's about investing in a tangible link to Polish cinema's rich heritage. These posters are not just reproductions; they are authentic artefacts that have stood the test of time, each bearing the marks of history and the enduring power of art.
Fellini’s Roma 1972. Artist Jakub Erol. Polish Movie Poster.
The Return Of The Pink Panther 1977. Polish Film Release Poster - Edward Lutczyn.
Indiana Jones Temple Of Doom 1985. Rare Polish Film Poster - Artist Wyold Dybowski.
Explore Our Collection Today & Discover the Magic of Polish Film Posters
We think you’ll agree, these posters make you ‘feel’ - they stop you in your tracks, demanding your attention but most importantly, we hope they bring you joy.
It’s easy to become a fan of Polish posters! Owen’s passion for collecting posters came from his love of artwork. On seeing a Polish poster, Owen’s fascination with them was ignited. He knew two Polish brothers - Gregorz and Sebastian who would buy posters in Poland with instructions from Owen to choose posters for the artwork first and then the film. Owen and Jonathan would then wait at London Victoria Coach station for their posters to arrive from Poland and pay for them through a Polish travel agent in London.
Click above to see these two eye-catching versions of The Ballad of Narayama (1985).
Contact Us.
info@tordoff.com
T: 01423 711000 / M: 07887 403844
Tordoff House, 6 High Street,
Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 5AW, UK.