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AIR INDIA - AUSTRALIA

Offset on Paper

Circa

1971

Size (cms)

62.7 X 100.4

Artist

Walter Grieder

Walter Grieder was a Swiss-born artist renowned for his work as a commercial illustrator, particularly for Air India. He is best known for his iconic airline posters that showcased the exotic and luxurious appeal of Air India during the mid-20th century.

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Publisher

Air India

Printer

New Jack Printing Works private Ltd., Bombay.

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This poster created by Walter Grieder promotes travel to Australia. It features a whimsical scene of a sheep sitting on a rocking chair, knitting a sweater with the Air India mascot, the Maharaja, depicted on it. The illustration conveys a charming and playful feel, likely designed to capture the attention of travelers and evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation.

The Air India Maharajah campaign, created to differentiate the airline from its competitors, introduced the jovial and rotund Maharaja character in the mid-1940s. Conceived by SK (Bobby) Kooka, Air India's then Commercial Director, and sketched by Umesh Rao, an artist at J. Walter Thompson in Bombay, the Maharaja quickly became a central figure in the airline's marketing. Over time, the Maharaja was used creatively to introduce new flight routes and highlight Air India's services, utilizing humor, charm, and clever puns. This unique approach helped Air India stand out, making the Maharaja an iconic and enduring symbol of the airline.

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