Supported Donations
MOZAMBIQUE by Olivio Martínez for OSPAAAL, 1970
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Cuba held various days and weeks of solidarity with revolutionary struggles around the world.
The OSPAAAL posters in particular reveal the idealistic spirit at the core of the Cuban Revolution, intent on eradicating imperialism globally. Mozambique came under Portuguese control in the 16th century and in 1885 it was established as a formal colony called Portuguese East Africa. Beginning in the 1950s, native peoples began to protest their colonial status. From 1961 and lasting more than a decade, Frelimo (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) rebels fought a guerrilla war.
Portugal is here represented as a linked chain broken by Mozambique. Chain links are a common design element in OSPAAAL’s solidarity posters, featuring also in graphics supporting Bissau & Cape Verde, Namibia, South Africa, Haiti and Korea. In 1974, four years after this poster was made, Portugal officially agreed to support Mozambique’s independence. The country was declared independent on 25 June, 1975.
More Acquisitions
MOZAMBIQUE by Olivio Martínez for OSPAAAL, 1970
The OSPAAAL posters in particular reveal the idealistic spirit at the core of the Cuban Revolution, intent on eradicating imperialism globally.
Man needs rain forests too by Tom Eckersley for WWF, 1982
This is a screen printed poster depicting a stylised monkey, with orange hair and a blue face and hands, against a black background.
Earth Day issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, 1970
The first Earth Day was held on 22 April 1970 with the aim of raising awareness of environmental issues.
Join & Support
The V&AAF relies on the generosity of its supporters. Find out more about the ways you can make a difference and engage with the V&A.
