Bernard Villemot (1911, Trouville-sur-Mer – 1989) was a French graphic artist, known primarily for his advertising images for Orangina,"The Buy: Orangina Poster". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 October 2011. Bally Shoe, Perrier, and Air France.
He was known for a sharp artistic vision that was influenced by photography,Martin, Douglas (1 November 2002)."Raymond Savignac, 94, French Poster Artist". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 April 2025. and for his ability to distill an advertising message to a memorable image with simple, elegant lines and bold colors.. Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (25 September 1988). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
Early life and education
From 1932 to 1934, Villemot studied in Paris with artist Paul Colin,Villemot (1911–1989) – Les Arts Décoratifs – Site officiel. Lesartsdecoratifs.fr. Retrieved 20 October 2011. who was considered a master of Art Deco.Free Press Release News Wire. The Open Press (31 July 2004). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
Career From 1945 to 1946, Villemot prepared posters for the Red Cross. In the late 1940s, he also began a famous series of travel posters for Air France that would continue for decades. In 1949, Villemot's works were exhibited with those of his contemporary poster artist Raymond Savignac at the gallery of the Beaux-Arts de Paris.
In 1953, Villemot began designing logos and posters for the new soft drink Orangina, and over time these works would become some of his best known. In 1963, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris held an exhibition of his works. By the end of his life, he was known as one of the last great poster artists, and many collectors and critics consider him to be the "painter-laureate of modern commercial art.". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (26 October 1993). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
Since Villemot's death, his memorable images have been increasingly sought after by collectors."Prices off the wall for vintage posters". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com (14 May 1992). Retrieved 20 October 2011. At least three books have been published that survey his art: Les affiches de Villemot by Jean-Francois Bazin (1985); Villemot: l'affiche de A à Z by Guillaume Villemot (2005); and Embracing an Icon: The Posters of Bernard Villemot by George H. Bon Salle (2015).WorldCat
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