Lot 672
Expo ‘67 Ceramique de Beauce Pottery Logo Plaque, Beauce County, Quebec, 1967
Lot 672 Details
Expo ‘67 Ceramique de Beauce Pottery Logo Plaque, Beauce County, Quebec, 1967
designed by Julien Hébert (1917-1994) the raised and gilt logo on cobalt blue ground, maker’s mark and decorator’s signature verso
diameter 13" — 33 cm.
Estimate $200-$300
Note:
Memories of Expo 67 still elicit a feeling of nostalgia for many Canadians, even those too young to have attended. One of the most successful World Fairs of the 20th century, Expo 67 coincided with Canada’s Centennial, and affirmed to both Canadians and the world that Montréal had evolved into a forward thinking, cosmopolitan city. Originally slated for Moscow to mark the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Union, Canada was awarded the bid when the U.S.S.R. withdrew theirs due to budget overruns. Mayor Jean Drapeau and a team of engineers began to plan what was essentially the biggest birthday party in Canadian history. Drapeau's idea to enlarge the existing island in the Saint Lawrence and to create a new one was met with widespread skepticism, but the endeavor was successful. It even reflected the theme of the Fair: ‘Man and his World’ and demonstrated that with adequate knowledge and perseverance, man could accomplish the unthinkable. Julien Hébert, a Canadian industrial designer, was responsible for incorporating this theme into the World Fair logo. He worked with an ancient symbol representing man to create the iconic emblem for Expo 67, creating a clean design that suggested unity, friendship and cooperation. The success of the fair was measured in attendance, international participation, and in the positive impression left on Canadians.