Cyrk Ball Balancing Seal 1961 Polish Circus Poster, Gawor

Original Polish Cyrk / Circus poster featuring a fabulous abstract Ball Balancing Seal design by Roman Gawor.

Despite being dated in the signature as 1960, we believe this poster's first print run was actually in 1961 which, given the state commissioned Circus posters first appeared at the beginning of the 1960s, makes it one of the earliest examples and an extremely rare poster. 

The ‘Cyrk” circus poster in Poland appeared for the first time in 1962 when the ZPR (Zjednoczone Przedsiębiorstwa Rozrywkowe, or United Entertainment Enterprises), the state agency that oversaw the circus, commissioned leading artists from the Polish School of Posters to develop a modern approach to the circus poster.

The ZPR wanted a new look for the circus poster to complement the circus’ efforts to upgrade its image. Not intended to advertise specific performances, they, rather, celebrated the essence of the circus through rich artistic expression with designs typically featuring clever metaphors, bold colours and humour. Heavy in symbolism, provocative and highly original the designs remain contemporary to this day and continue to gain appreciation.

This vintage poster has is sized 19 3/8 x 27 3/8 inches. It is in Near Mint Condition. Just very little handling and creasing on edges and paper darkened with age a little. Looks fantastic and will be rolled (unframed).