When Paris was liberated from the Germans on August 26, 1944, the City of Light unfurled its tricolor proudly. Among the celebratory graphics that were issued, Liberation De Paris was a souvenir paper toy. A cutout L’Arc de Triomphe commemorated Charles De Gaulle’s triumphant return. It was typical of paper toys from that era. Designed by Roland Forgues, the images of soldiers and resistance members were printed with a gloss that illuminated the event. Here for your viewing pleasure are two of the cardboard sheets, including one depicting liberation day at the Hotel de Ville, where the resistance made its headquarters.
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For more Steven Heller, check out Citizen Designer: Perspectives on Design Responsibility—one of the many Heller titles available at MyDesignShop.com.