Posters from the revolution, Paris, May, 1968 : texts and posters by Atelier populaire

Posters from the Revolution, Paris, May, 1968 was published in 1969 in London by Dobson Books, a small publisher specializing in left-wing politics and musicology. It’s copyright is held by Usines-Université-Union, presumably the same student group advertised on the first poster produced by the Atelier Populaire. The French version of this book, Atelier populaire présenté par lui-même, 87 affiches de mai-juin 1968, also in the Beinecke’s collection, lists Atelier Populaire as the author.[1]

In addition to oversize reproductions of the posters, the book features photos of the May 1968 demonstrations, statements from the Atelier Populaire, and a catalog of the posters. The editorial note states that the posters are “weapons in the service of the struggle and are an inseparable part of it,” and therefore “this book should not be taken as the final outcome of an experience, but as an inducement for finding, through contact with the masses, new levels of action.” Following this is an account of the founding of Atelier Populaire and their statement from May 21, 1968. It also includes details on “organization and method” of the Atelier Populaire, including accounts of the General Assembly, instructions for screen printing, and a description of the puppet theater. The text largely consists of translations of articles included in Cahiers de mai, a French magazine from 1968, also in the Beinecke’s holdings. Following this is a catalog of all the “standard posters” produced by Atelier Populaire, grouped by subject, for instance “Working Conditions,” “Against the Communication Network,” or “Worker-Farmer solidarity.” All-together there are 188 posters listed. The reproductions of the posters include translations of the slogans into English, Spanish, Italian and German.

[1] Atelier Populaire. Atelier populaire présenté par lui-même, 87 affiches de mai-juin 1968. Paris: Paris : Usines, Universités, Union, 1968. Orbis call number 2014 250.