General Dynamics - Industrial Gases

This original vintage poster, titled Industrial Gases, was created by Erik Nitsche in 1960 for General Dynamics and its Liquid Carbonic division. Nitsche uses an intricate network of colored lines, curves, grids and numerical markings to represent the scientific and industrial processes involved in the production and distribution of industrial gases. The complex composition resembles an engineering or scientific chart while transforming technical information into an abstract Modernist design.General Dynamics was formed in 1952 as the parent company of the Electric Boat Company and several other U.S. defense and technology businesses. During the 1950s and 1960s, the company expanded into aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics, nuclear technology and other industrial fields. Liquid Carbonic Corporation, a major producer of carbon dioxide and other industrial gases, became part of General Dynamics during this period.Industrial Gases belongs to Nitsche's later series of General Dynamics posters promoting the company's individual divisions and products. Rather than illustrating industrial gases literally, Nitsche created a visual interpretation of scientific measurement, pressure, temperature and flow. The intersecting lines and numerical scales give the poster the appearance of a highly complex technical diagram while maintaining the strong graphic qualities associated with Nitsche's General Dynamics work.Erik Nitsche (1908–1998) was a Swiss-born graphic designer who moved to the United States in 1934. In 1955 he became Art Director for General Dynamics and developed the company's corporate identity, advertising, annual reports and celebrated series of posters. His General Dynamics work combined Swiss Modernist graphic design with imagery drawn from contemporary science, industry and technology and remains among his best-known work.This poster was printed in Switzerland by Roger Marsens of Lausanne.This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.