An original 1950s Danish travel poster by celebrated Danish illustrator Henry Thelander (1902–1986), best known for his beloved Carlsberg Christmas illustrations. Published by the National Travel Association of Denmark and printed in Copenhagen by Egmont H. Petersen, one of Denmark's most distinguished printers. The poster traces the unbroken thousand-year line of Danish monarchs from Gorm the Old (c. 900–950) to the then-reigning Frederik IX (1947–1972), each rendered in Thelander's instantly recognizable whimsical style — elongated figures in elaborate period dress, drawn with the fairytale charm that made his work iconic in mid-century Denmark. The bold central text reads: "Once upon a time — a thousand years ago — there was a king of Denmark named Gorm the Old. All through the years his family has ruled the oldest kingdom of the world, and the present king Frederik the Ninth is a descendant of the old king Gorm." A wonderful piece of mid-century Scandinavian design and a celebrated travel poster — versions of this Thelander image are held by Danish design collections and frequently appear in IVPDA-certified vintage poster galleries (Chisholm Larsson, The Vintage Poster, PosterTeam). Details • Designer: Henry "Henning" Thelander (signed "Thelander 1949–53" lower left) • Publisher: National Travel Association of Denmark • Printer: Egmont H. Petersen, Copenhagen • Reference: P VI-30-30-56 • Dimensions: approx. 24.5 in × 39 in (62 × 100 cm) • Period: 1950s Provenance From a Massachusetts private collection. Condition Original, unrestored, never linen-backed. Honest age-related wear: edge tears at top and bottom margins, light surface creasing, and some handling marks (please review all photos closely). The printed image area is fully intact — colors remain vivid, the famous purple central text panel is bright, and all royal figures are clear and undamaged. No fading, no major losses, no tape repairs. Recommended for professional linen-backing and conservation framing for long-term display. Sold honestly as-is — a true survivor in original 70-year-old condition. Ships rolled in a sturdy poster tube with acid-free tissue
