1960s World Skiing Championships, Czech Republic Ski Poster

The International Ski Federations' World Ski championships was established in 1931, interrupted by World War II, and was subsequently connected to the Olympics for forty years hence. The event continues disconnected from the Winter Olympics every odd-numbered year.

This original poster representing the Czech Republic in 1969, encapsulates a conceptual European art style. Kovar's dynamic, almost hypnotic image features the artistic composition of a number of ski poles, cascading in a semi-vortex. The objects' inky black colour fades with the movement against an off white background; an intriguingly stark image.

This vintage colour ski lithograph is in terrific condition and linen mounted for preservation.

In A- condition - there may be some slight dirt, fold, tears or bubble or other minor restoration, but most unobtrusive, or the poster was folded but is otherwise flawless.

A key attraction to this type of memorabilia is their usability: unlike the one-off pleasure of a bottle of wine or stamps stowed away in an album, these posters are works of art made to be displayed - ideally in a ski lodge and increasingly in the home too.

For anyone who's ever curled up with a chocolat chaud and fondue after a day on the slopes or stepped outside their chalet to a landscape of immaculate fresh powder under an icy blue sky, skiing is a captivating experience that offers thrill and indulgence in equal measure. It's no surprise then that images reminding people of their time in these mountain paradises have become such popular and sought-after collectibles.

Before the widespread use of photography these posters were designed by French and Swiss artists who were trained in traditional techniques of illustration such as stone lithography, and commissioned by hotels or regional tourist bodies, making these fine pieces true and valid works of art. By the 60's there was a shift to incorporating photography into posters and these too are now eminently collectible and starkly beautiful works.