G. Vanden Heynde

A Londra con la Sabena travel poster, created by G. Vanden Heynde in 1951

1951

The circa 1960 original travel poster by G. Vanden Eynde for Sabena Belgian World Airlines is a stunning example of mid-century airline advertising, showcasing the vibrant and adventurous spirit of global travel during the era. Designed to promote Sabena's extensive routes, particularly across Africa, this poster embodies the optimism and excitement associated with the golden age of aviation. The poster features a vivid map-centric design, with Africa at its heart, rendered in a dynamic palette of blues, oranges, yellows, and pinks. The artist, G. Vanden Heynde, uses bold color contrasts and intricate textures to convey both the geographical diversity and cultural richness of the regions Sabena served. Superimposed figures and motifs, representing local cultures and landmarks, further emphasize the airline’s commitment to connecting passengers with unique destinations. The use of cartographic elements, such as latitude and longitude lines, reinforces the theme of global exploration. A decorative compass rose positioned prominently adds to the sense of adventure, while the luminous color scheme evokes the romance of distant lands. The Sabena logo, in its iconic red-and-white design, anchors the composition with a sense of corporate identity and trust. Sabena (Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne) was established in 1923 as Belgium’s national airline. By the 1960s, it had become a pioneer in long-haul aviation, particularly in routes connecting Europe to Africa. This poster reflects the airline's pride in its African network, a cornerstone of its operations and a significant draw for travelers seeking exotic adventures during the post-war travel boom. This poster is not just a piece of advertising but also a work of art that captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s. It reflects the era’s fascination with modernity, cultural exchange, and the democratization of air travel. G. Vanden Eynde’s sophisticated yet accessible design aligns with Sabena’s goal of appealing to both seasoned travelers and newcomers to aviation. Printed using high-quality lithographic techniques, this poster exemplifies the craftsmanship of mid-century travel advertising. Its vibrant colors and intricate details make it a sought-after collectible for aviation and travel enthusiasts, as well as fans of vintage graphic design. It represents an era when airline posters were not merely functional but also aspirational, capturing the imagination of the public and inspiring dreams of global exploration. This Sabena poster...

The vintage travel poster created by Sabena Belgian World Airlines to promote travel to Mexico is a striking example of mid-20th-century aviation advertising. This poster, with its vivid imagery and strong cultural references, was designed to attract European travelers to the vibrant and exotic destination of Mexico. The centerpiece of the poster is a close-up image of a young woman adorned in traditional Mexican attire, her serene and confident expression bathed in warm sunlight. Her elaborate headdress, rich in color and detail, symbolizes Mexico’s deep cultural heritage. The headdress features bright beads and feathers, with a prominent star-shaped decoration at its center, evoking images of ancient Mexican civilizations and their rich traditions. This visual representation instantly transports the viewer to the heart of Mexico, inviting them to explore its rich history and vibrant culture. The backdrop of the poster is a deep, unblemished blue sky, which not only enhances the contrast of the colorful attire but also suggests clear, sunny weather—a perfect invitation to potential tourists. The simplicity of the background ensures that all attention is focused on the subject, making the cultural iconography of Mexico the focal point. At the top of the poster, the word “Mexico” is boldly printed in a clean, modern font, underscoring the destination’s allure. The use of lowercase letters in the title imparts a friendly and approachable feel, while the image of an airplane subtly incorporated next to the text emphasizes the ease and modernity of air travel to this far-off land. The lower part of the poster prominently features the Sabena logo, with “Belgian World Airlines” elegantly written beneath it. The bold red and white of the Sabena emblem contrast sharply with the cooler tones of the background, ensuring that the brand is unmistakable. This positioning underscores the airline's role in connecting Europe with the wider world, in this case, with the colorful and culturally rich nation of Mexico. The Sabena poster...

Sabena, acronym for Societé Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, was once the Belgian national airline. Founded in 1923, it went bankrupt in 2001. On this beautiful poster advertising a trip to Portugal by Sabena, we can see this woman with traditional clothes...

Sabena, acronym for Societé Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, was once the Belgian national airline. Founded in 1923, it went b...

Original vintage travel advertising poster for London by Sabena / Londen per Sabena Belgian Airlines featuring a fantastic and colourful midcentury modern design depicting a Beefeate...

Original vintage travel advertising poster issued by BEA - Lineas Aereas Britanicas - featuring a stunning design showing a plane flying from Madrid in Spain to Londres / London in E...

Original Sabena trave to Brussels; Gateway to continental Europe -- where business and pleasure begin. Sabena Belgian World Airlines. Europe...

Original vintage travel advertising poster - verso il Canada con la Sabena / to Canada with Sabena (the national airline of Belgium from 1923-2001) - featuring a colourful mid-century design showing a smiling Canadian Mounted Police officer wearing the iconic red jacket and brown hat looking towards a traditional carved totem pole...