Photographer: Michael Joseph
Date: 1970s
Image Width: 58 cm Height: 84 cm
Laminated advertisement – original photo by the photographer.
This is a vintage 1960s German advertisement for “Die Deutsche Tapeten-Gemeinschaft” (The German Wallpaper Association). The ad features a humorous scene in a prison cell, where a prisoner in classic black-and-white striped attire sits comfortably, appearing quite relaxed. The walls of his cell are covered with vibrant green and yellow floral wallpaper, contrasting with the usual dreariness of prison decor and creating an oddly cozy atmosphere. A guard looks in through a small barred window on the door, perhaps bewildered by the prisoner’s contentment. The text at the bottom reads, “Jeder hat das Recht auf seine Tapete,” which translates to “Everyone has the right to their wallpaper.”
The ad plays on the idea of personal freedom and comfort, even in unlikely places, by suggesting that wallpaper can transform any space into a personalized, inviting environment. This piece captures the playful, creative spirit of 1960s advertising and would be of interest to collectors of retro advertising, German memorabilia, or vintage decor ephemera.
