I found this strange poster in the trash a few weeks ago. The caption is “Vaccination Clinic in Dingbatland” and it’s based on a painting by Gunter Scherrer made in 1981. It’s in really great shape, other than a small tear going upwards from the bottom.
I did some research into the “Dingbats.” They were created in 1915 to be featured in a calendar given to customers of Charles Elliot Frosst’s pharmaceutical company. It was intended to be “appealing” to the audience and it was, with Dingbat calendars being made until 1996. Apparently “the Dingbat calendars were discontinued as a result of a Canadian industry’s association decision that the Dingbat promotion was unfair competition.” I’m not sure how that works, but it’s too bad. I think the Dingbats are pretty neat.
This poster was created from the same tradition of the calendars. You would have seen it at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, or the hospital, making what is generally an undesired experience just a bit more pleasant.
This poster was recently in a Museum Exhibit called “Growing up in Montreal”. It went a few years, ending in 2007. Too bad, it probably would have been interesting to see.
This is a nice piece of Canadian history. It wasn’t made that long ago (1982), but it’s fair to wonder how many there are left, especially in this condition. I’d like to frame it. Maybe I can put it up on my wall, or maybe sell or barter it for something. We’ll see. I’ll keep you posted!
I imagine there might be a pharmacy today that might want to have this to decorate their walls. I’m seeing more decorative bits in pharmacies these days, particularly behind the counter where the pharmacists hang out and fill prescriptions, or in their offices. Even doctors might want it to decorate their offices. You might want to approach some (make sure it’s in a protective cardboard tube, and put a price of $20 or $30 on it … as it is in good condition and from waaaaay back in 1982.
I love the stuff you find!
If you deside to sell this as I would love to own this thank you. My father was a Doctor in Winnipeg when I was a child. My sister and I would fight every year over those calanders. Thank you
I am interested in selling it, but I haven’t worked on it yet. I’d have to do a bit of research to see how much it’s worth, but I would be interested. I’d also have to charge you for shipping, but that wouldn’t be too much. Email me at martinnestor7@yahoo.ca and maybe we can make a deal. Thanks for the interest.
i have three dingbat pictures two by ross wiggs numbered 33 and 38 and one by dudley ward all three are framed together i know nothing about them they was giving to me about 7 years ago any feedback would be appreciated
Definitely has some collectors value if in good and original condition. The older the better I think. No idea as to value though