1969 European Figure Skating Pin: Bavarian Cream of the Crop.

Last Updated on May 25, 2024 by Netropolitan Museum

Distinctive German flair and an of-the-era design are evident in event pin

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. So when the 1969 European Figure Skating Championships glided into town with more than 100 competitors ready to take the ice, it was yet another feather in the cap of that rich sports history, commemorated with a well-designed pin that exhibits a distinctive German design flair.

Pin Gallery: 1969 European Figure Skating Championships

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. Notice particularly the minimalist approach that was taken with the lettering, all in lowercase to create a smooth and seamless visual experience. The thoughtful, balanced arrangement of elements further allows the eye to travel unimpeded around the pin.

A classic skating motif—a figure tracing, in this case an interpretation of the paragraph loop—is interlocked with the skater figure to create a strong focal point. Neatly arranged in an “L” shape in the corners of the pin are the event name, location, and year: “Eiskunstlauf Europameisterschaft Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1969.”

This pin is classic 1960s design.

¹Prior to the 1990 reunification of Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was part of the Federal Republic of Germany (or commonly referred to as West Germany).

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