Exceptional A grade quality which has not been backed therefore retaining its originality.  There are only very minor tears to the margins which have not been repaired.  The colours are vibrant and fresh with very minor fading and staining to the paper.  This poster, now well over 100 years old is an extremely rare survivor of a gentler age.  The scene of two impeccably well dressed is classical and stylish manner.  The addition of the bi-plane was at the time a marvel of technology yet is not the main feature of the poster.  Considering this image was created at the infancy of flight, the beginning of the Royal Airforce and during World War One it is truly a combination of art deco graphic design and history.

The artist has his stylised signature, itself a gorgeous example of design and panache.  His other works are equally beautiful and desirable but rarely come to the market.  Ranging from fashion, household products and tourism adverts his work is highly sought and cherished.

Both the company being advertised, and the printers are family run and based in Zurich  a fascinating history and are still in business.

PKZ Burger-Kehl & Co. AG is a family business in the field of textile trade founded in Winterthur in 1881 by Paul Kehl as a garment factory (hence the name PKZ: Paul Kehl Zürich).  From 1896 first branches were opened in Basel, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Lausanne, Winterthur, Zurich and Geneva. After the death of Paul Kehl in 1910, the son-in-law Karl Burger took over the company. Thus, the new company PKZ Burger-Kehl & Co. was established.  Since the 1990s, PKZ has expanded from about 15 stores to around 30 PKZ Men stores in Switzerland by taking over the stores of Esco Kleider  AG. The group includes the fashion chains PKZ Men, PKZ Women, Paul Kehl, Blue Dog and the online shop PKZ.CH which sells top brands such as Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

J. E. Wolfensberger is a family-run business, now in its fourth generation built on a strong tradition of pioneering achievement, quality craftsmanship, and dedication to the world of art. In 1910, J. E. Wolfensberger’s unique new building on the Zurich’s Bederstrasse combined a lithography studio and printing house with an art gallery for contemporary painting exhibitions. Pioneering lithographic work, high-quality art reproductions, a consistently high standard of workmanship and strong links with artists were – and still are – the foundations of the family business. Benni and Thomi Wolfensberger are the current directors of the long-established graphic design institution.

Supplied unframed (please note frame and display photos are for suggestion only), lithograph in colours, 1916, printed by J.E Wolfensberger, Zürich, condition A-; not backed, 50 x 35½in. (127 x 90cm.).

If you would like more information or need this stunning piece framed please get in touch with any of the team at Bygone Treasures.