Dunlopillo - Dunlop (c.1953)
Year: c.1953
Format: Beermat
Illustrator: Raymond Savignac (1907-2002)
Client: Dunlop
Details: This matchbook features two illustrations by French poster artist Raymond Savignac (1907-2002). The original Dunlop tyres illustration was created for a poster printed in 1953, with the Dunlopillo design first appearing in 1951.
Savignac was known for his witty poster designs, specialising in visual gags and a cheerful style. Self-taught, he quit school at 15 to become a draftsman. After a few years drawing bus maps and later working on cartoon commercials, he met Cassandre and started designing posters under his direction. They collaborated until 1938 when Cassandre left for the U.S.
Savignac's breakthrough came at the age of 42, when he created a popular poster for Monsavon soap. After this, his art appeared on posters for companies including Bic, Pirelli and Vespa. He worked for 50 years, creating more than 600 posters.