The celebrations to commemorate 50 years since the establishing of Y Lolfa publishers and press have begun with the publication of a calendar of old posters.  

Calendr Posteri’r Lolfa 2017 ( Y Lolfa Poster Calendar 2017 ) is a collection of commercial and political posters that were printed by Y Lolfa during the 1960s and 1970s. 

It is published to coincide with Y Lolfa’s 50 ^th anniversary celebrations in 2017.   

Amongst the posters are old favourites such as ‘ Gwnewch Bopeth yn Gymraeg’ (Do Everything in Welsh) – as seen on the front cover, the iconic poster which shows the silhouette of two lovers behind a colourful backdrop. It was designed by Elwyn Ioan in 1972 and has been reprinted many times over the decades. Other classics include the infamous poster of Eirwyn Pontshân – ‘ Gwell Llaeth Cymru na Chwrw Lloegr’ ( Better Welsh Milk than English Beer).  

Others are more political in their nature such as the popular image of Ifas y Tryc in front of the Union Jack, ‘ Britannia Rŵls ddy Wêls’, and drawing by John Jenkins, , ‘ Gwyn eu Byd y Rhai Erlidir o Achos Cyfiawnder’ that was drawn when he was in prison. 

Some of the posters also revisit the world of pop including Pinaclau Pop, the disco of Mici Plwm, and the psychdelia of the end of the sixties in the form of Y Blew – the first ever electric rock group in Welsh. Other notable icons include Meic Stecens, Dafydd Iwan, and y Tebot Piws which appear on posters that reflect the exuberance and confidence of the time. 

‘It will appeal to the nostalgia of the older generation but most importantly, I hope, to the younger generation who were not around when the company was established during the excitement of the late 1960s.’ said the founder of Y Lolfa, Robat Gruffudd. 

Y Lolfa was established in 1967 during an exciting period of fun and protest. The company evolved gradually, producing an ever widening range of popular books in both Welsh and English, and next year will be celebrating its 50 ^th anniversary.   

Calendr Posteri'r Lolfa 2017 (£10, Y Lolfa) is available now.

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