Adverts Without Capitalism — Romanian Advertising Graphics 1950–1989, published in February this year by Graphic Front, an extension of their terrific Graphics Without Computers series.

«Throughout this time there were graphic designers working away in the immense system of communication of the day, skilled hands making drawings, laying out pages and creating shapes, as well as people from other fields who also did the work of a graphic designer… Looking at many of the images reproduced here, we can only wonder how the “brief” must have sounded to the lady presenting the product. Things are pretty clear when it comes to beverages and textiles. But just how longingly can you look at a tin of paint? How gracefully can you hold a plate of buttons in your hand?»

And, woo, a rare bonus pic from 2011: