Girafon - Renault Fourgonnette (1966)

Year: 1966

Format: Booklet

Illustrator: Raymond Savignac (1907-2002)

Client: Renault

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Details: This booklet was produced by Renault to publicise their Fourgonnette van. This edition was printed in 1966 but earlier versions exist from around 1963.

According to a Renault press release, the illustrator of the poster in the image is Raymond Savignac (1907-2002). Savignac created several advertising posters when the Renault 4 was launched in 1961, including this ‘girafon’ design (the roof flap, exclusive to Renault, was known as the girafon, which translates as ‘baby giraffe’).

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.