Messidor c1980 Academy Cinema UK Quad Film Poster, Peter Strausfeld

This extremely rare c1980 UK Quad White Variant poster for Messidor is a superb example of the distinctive hand linocut style of Peter Strausfeld, the artist most closely associated with London’s legendary Academy Cinema. Executed in bold black linework against a stark white background, Strausfeld’s design captures both the tension and emotional weight of Alain Tanner’s acclaimed film, which follows two young women whose aimless journey across Switzerland slowly descends into tragedy. His minimalist yet expressive portraits reflect the introspective, politically charged atmosphere that defines Tanner’s filmmaking.

Peter Strausfeld (1910–1980), born in Cologne, came to England in 1938. Whilst interned on the Isle of Man during the Second World War, he developed a close friendship with fellow internee George Hoellering. In 1947 Hoellering became the director of London’s pre-eminent art house, The Academy Cinema, on Oxford Street and, disliking the studio-issued film posters, he commissioned Strausfeld to create the posters for the cinema.

Over a 33 year period, until his death in 1980, the prolific Strausfeld created over 300 designs, each printed by hand using his trademark linocut technique. Unflinchingly choosing a striking image from the film set against a bold single colour background and accompanied by strong typography, he built a remarkable body of work.

 In the early years only a maximum of one hundred were printed for each film. In the mid-1970s this run went to three hundred and the majority were pasted up on the London Underground thereby making any surviving copies extremely scarce and collectible.

Strausfeld's instantly recognisable visual language—characterised by strong contrast, simplified forms, and hand-set typography—made Academy posters cult objects in their own right, treasured by collectors for their artistic integrity and historical significance.

The Academy Cinema, located on Oxford Street, was one of London’s most important art-house venues. Known for championing world cinema, avant-garde directors, and independent filmmaking, it commissioned bespoke posters from Strausfeld for nearly every film it screened—making original Academy Quads highly collectible pieces of British cinema history.

Messidor (1979) directed by renowned Swiss filmmaker Alain Tanner, is a haunting road drama exploring alienation, youthful disillusionment, and society’s response to rebellion. Its understated realism and sharp socio-political edge earned it critical acclaim, and its themes remain powerfully resonant today.

A beautifully preserved example of Strausfeld’s iconic work, this poster is an exceptional acquisition for enthusiasts of art-house film, modern poster design, or the enduring legacy of the Academy Cinema. 

This unusual white variant is likely a printers proof or was printed for a special alternative screening. Extremely rare and very striking. 

This vintage movie poster is sized 30 x 40 inches and will be sent rolled (unframed).

• Year: c1980
• Poster Type: UK Quad
• Style: -
• Art By: - Peter Strausfeld
• Rolled/Folded/Other: Folded/Rolled
• Condition: Near Mint/Mint
  
• Condition Details: Originally folded but stored flat and folds barely noticeable. Very light aging, handling and creases in places. Looks superb.