Angus’ A-Z of logos: Solidarność

Pentagram partner and creative director Angus Hyland discusses the logo design for Solidarność and the resounding impact the trade union had on life in Poland.

There aren’t many logos that you could say have played a part in changing the world, but the instantly recognisable logo created for the Polish trade union Solidarność (Solidarity) can surely claim to be one of them.

Solidarność was the first free trade union in an Eastern bloc country, at its height representing one-third of the country's working-age population. The organisation is widely recognised as having played a central role in the end of communist rule in Poland; its charismatic leader Lech Wałęsa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize before becoming the country’s Prime Minister in 1990, and was its first freely-elected, non-communist head in 45 years.

Designed by Jerzy Janiszewski in August 1980, the logo was inspired by the slogans stencilled on the walls of the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk. This was where Lech Wałęsa worked as an electrician, and workers were striking against pay, conditions and the sacking of crane operator and activist Anna Walentynowicz. The bright red logo is formed from freeform letters shaped like people united in a crowd, holding the Polish flag.

Expertly crafted, the logo reminds us of Poland’s rich history of graphic design, which saw beautifully illustrated posters become the primary means of communication and cultural expression during the country’s period of communist rule.

Born out of activism, the logo needed to be powerful, accessible and progressive. It needed to signal unity in the face of oppression and point to a bright future thanks to the freedom that democracy brings.

It’s telling that a logo born out of necessity, that was probably designed very quickly, still resonates today. Both authentic and dynamic, it represents a David and Goliath-style battle with a happy ending that changed the course of history and made life better for generations of ordinary people.

Next time: a logo that’s gone a bit Pete Tong