CODA has released an officially licensed screen print of the iconic movie poster for 1951’s The Man in the White Suit by artists Alfred Reginald Thomson and S. John Woods. As CODA explained, “The 1951 British film The Man in the White Suit, directed by Alexander Mackendrick and starring Alec Guinness, is one of many notable satirical comedies produced by Ealing Studios. The film’s poster was originally released in the UK in a quad poster format (30 x 40 inches) and it’s iconic design stands as a testament to the film’s enduring legacy and the innovative spirit of mid-century British poster design.”
“The poster’s striking red background serves as an unavoidable contrast to the central image: Alec Guinness as Sidney Stratton, astride in his luminous white suit. This unique vision was crafted under the direction of S. John Woods (Ealing Studios’ head of publicity from 1943 to 1959). Woods was instrumental in elevating the art of film poster design, often collaborating with esteemed artists like Alfred Reginald Thomson, a Royal Academician and Olympic gold medalist (!) in painting. Under Woods’ guidance, Ealing Studios broke away from more conventional and traditional poster designs and instead commissioned contemporary artists, setting a new gold standard for advertising and reinforcing the studio’s commitment to artistic excellence. The combined efforts of Woods and Thomson resulted in a poster that didn't only serve to promote screenings of the film over seventy years ago, but to this day stands as a piece of art in its own right, an exemplary work of cutting edge design.” – CODA
The Man in the White Suit by Alfred Reginald Thomson and S. John Woods is a 36”x24” hand numbered screen print. The Regular Red Edition is limited 110 pieces and retails for $70, while the Glow in the Dark Orange Variant is limited to 70 pieces and will retail for $85. Both colorways are available for pre-order now at CODAcurates.com.
