Advertisement from ‘Credit Lyonnais’ (a French bank). Image courtesy Merci Down Under/Dr Pierre Grézard.

An exhibition honouring the Anzacs who fought to liberate France during World War One will open at the WA Museum – Albany this week.

100 Affiches for a Centenary contains 100 original posters (affiches) which were hand painted from 1914 – 1918. The French war-time posters were used as propaganda to heighten patriotism during the War, and some feature the Anzacs. The rare posters are from French collector Dr Pierre Grézard’s collection.

WA Museum – Albany Manager Rachael Wilsher-Saa said the exhibition is a great tribute to the centenary of World War One.

“I am pleased the WA Museum – Albany will be contributing to the Anzac commemorative calendar by having 100 Affiches for a Centenary on display,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.

“There is no better time to highlight the cultural and historic links between Australia and France.”

100 Affiches for a Centenary is part of the Merci Down Under initiative by the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the French Embassy in Australia. Merci Down Under organises commemorative events around the world to honour soldiers for their great courage in their fight for the freedom of the people of France. Its patron is singer Tina Arena.

100 Affiches for a Centenary opens at the WA Museum – Albany Saturday 18 April and ends 24 May 2015.  For more information visit: http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/albany/100-affiches-centenary

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Media contact

Sharna Craig

Media and Publicity Officer

Western Australian Museum

sharna.craig@museum.wa.gov.au