DSC Journal from Northampton: The Polish School of Poster Art

Click on the link above to view on the University of Northampton's Website.

On Display from January 10-28^th 2011 at The University of Northampton Avenue Campus Gallery

Upon arriving in Northampton I had never been exposed to the culture and language of Poland in the way that it is available here. A large number of Poles took the opportunity to move to the UK once Poland joined the EU in 2004. When I first arrived in Northampton I walked around the city to explore and found myself in little pockets of Poland. There are Polish specialty food shops that I went in to get the feel for what their food is like. Everything in the specialty stores was written in Polish. Even a Heinz ketchup bottle, which is something I would consider “American”, was written in Polish. This little store, on what felt like an abandoned street, was bustling with people lined up to buy from the deli. This is one example, I feel, that shows how difficult it is to give up the food and culture that you are used to once you have moved to a new country. By demand and popularity these shops will continue to flourish. Even the large chain grocery stores such as ASDA have now added a "Polish" food section.

I know from even the short time I have been here in England that there are some foods and amenities that I’m used to at home in Canada that are not available here. Having to find alternatives has been one major adjustment that I have come across; I’ve learned a little bit more about the culture and the popular foods here because of it.

After exploring the town I went to the University of Northampton’s Avenue Campus to look at the Polish School of Poster Art exhibit. My first impression of these works of art was that they are stunning. I loved the use of colour and creativity. To me they resembled the popular French art deco posters. They were enticing to look at especially because I don’t understand the Polish language; this forced me to interpret the artwork more than if I could actually read what they were advertising. Not only were the posters beautiful to look at but they also became more meaningful once I read about the history written by Vicki Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Design at the University of Northampton. In a pamphlet provided at the exhibit she explains that the posters were created between 1950-1970 following World War Two. They were produced to promote cultural events and tourism within Poland after the war. They were pasted on buildings awaiting post-war reconstruction which turned the streets into galleries.

"The Poles have strived to preserve their own language and cultural traditions" and I think this is one reason why Polish immigrants would be proud that there is an art display from their country and that people here are taking an interest in their culture.

Below are some photos that I took at the gallery. Enjoy!