In the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union teetered on the edge of transformation, this poster carried a message that speaks volumes even today. Let me tell you its story.
Posters from the USSR are much more than decorative art. They are snapshots of their time, imbued with ideology, culture, and a call to action. This particular piece, created in 1988, is a striking example of Soviet design and purpose. Measuring 42,5 x 59,0 cm, it isn’t exceptionally large, but it commands attention with its bold red, orange, yellow, and even pink hues. The striking visuals are complemented by the powerful slogan in blue text below: "На службе народу," which translates to “For the public service.”
Above (top right), the poster features an extended statement: "The Order of Lenin Union of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the USSR actively participates in protecting the health of the people, helps victims of natural disasters, assists with medical and social aid to the lonely, sick, and disabled veterans of war and labor. It promotes voluntary blood donation and a healthy lifestyle. The Soviet Red Cross is at the forefront of the fight for peace, against nuclear war, and for strengthening friendship and cooperation among peoples."
Designed by D.L. Kassil, a renowned artist responsible for numerous Soviet-era posters, this piece was commissioned by the Executive Committee of the Order of Lenin and the Union of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the USSR. Produced at Moscow Printing House No. 6 during Gorbachev’s era of Glasnost and Perestroika, it captures a moment when the Soviet Union was promoting unity, health, and humanitarianism amidst profound societal changes.
But this poster isn’t just about history – it also has a personal story. I acquired it in Ukraine in 2021 during a road trip that took me across the country. By train, car, and underground, I traveled from Kyiv to Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and beyond, searching for vintage Soviet Union items. The hunt was exhilarating, and by the time my suitcases were overflowing and the poster tubes became too numerous to carry, it was time to head home. But there was one last find I couldn’t resist.
This was the final poster I purchased, from a collector in Kyiv, just before embarking on a three-day train journey back home through Warsaw, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Its vibrant colours and poignant message struck me, making it impossible to leave behind. While my walls are now full of posters, I hope this treasure will find a new home where it’s equally appreciated.
The message "For the public service" resonates deeply now more than ever. In the new year, I hope the ideals expressed on the top right of this poster – "fighting for peace, against nuclear war, and for strengthening friendship and cooperation among peoples" – will prevail.
This piece of history is currently available at a discount in the webshop. Perhaps it will find a new home with someone who appreciates its story as much as I do.
