Like a number of European cities, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany,1 has a long and rich history of hosting top winter sports events, including the 1936 Olympic Winter Games and the 1956 World Figure Skating Championships. When the 1969 European Figure Skating Championships glided into town, it was one more marquee event with an impressive roster of competitors who would compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The solid red background and contrasting geometric design of the central skater figure in black reflects a particular look and feel that was prominent in German design of the era.
Although it cannot be called “impressive,” the pin produced to commemorate the 1969 European Championships certainly is distinctive in design. The solid red background and contrasting geometric design of the central skater figure in black reflects a particular look and feel that was prominent in German design of the era. Red and black were favorite colors, often accented by simple typography and arrangement of elements. All that is seen in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen pin.
Measuring 1-3/16″ x 1-5/8″ (approx. 3 cm x 4 cm), a classic skating motif—a figure tracing, in this case an interpretation of the paragraph loop—is interlocked with the skater figure. Neatly arranged in the corners of the pin are the event name, location, and year: “Eiskunstlauf Europameisterschaft Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1969.” The pin is classic 1960s design.
Enjoy Bavarian Cream of the Crop. 1969.
1 Prior to the 1990 reunification of Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was part of the Federal Republic of Germany (or commonly referred to as West Germany).
1969 European Championships
