Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 362-0-3

Title

Posters, Leaflets and Ephemera

Date(s)

1980 - 1989

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

5 Archival boxes, 0.62 linear meters

Context

Name of creator(s)

Group Inconnu
Philipp, Tibor

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Narrative)

The series contains documents closely related to the political and social activities of Group Inconnu and the democratic opposition movement in Hungary, but by their nature they do not fall into the category of Samizdat. These materials predominantly contain leaflets, posters and other ephemera, providing insight into the activities of organizations of the Hungarian opposition movement (Group Inconnu, Endre Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Society, Danube Circle, etc.). Also they contain information about events organized at one of the most important alternative venues. In terms of format, the series is extremely diverse, almost all possible types of documents can be found here, generated during the operation of opposition actors and movements: signature collection sheets, invitations, debate papers, open letters. Some of the topics discussed in these have more emphasis, which refers to the political topics in the focus of the Group Inconnu. These were the 1956 Revolution, environmental issues such as the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros investment, and some materials can be found on village destructions in Romania. A smaller part of the documents, leaflets and posters were produced by foreign anti-nuclear organizations. The series also provides insight into the alternative cultural life of the late 1980s through invitations and posters promoting events at well-known cultural venues (including the ACC - Alternative Cultural Center, Artéria Gallery, Fekete Lyuk - Black Hole, Jurta Színház - Jurta Theater, Rakpart Klub - Quay Club). Most of these leaflets are associated with the work of newly established political groups and organizations (Rusai Commission, Endre Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Society, Danube Circle, Independent Law Enforcement Service, Refugee Committee, Republican Circle, Network of Free Initiatives, Democratic Trade Union of Scientific Workers). Documents of newly formed political parties (SZDSZ – Alliance of Free Democrats, FIDESZ – Alliance of Young Democrats, Hungarian October Party) are also included in the series. Among the materials ephemeral documents on various events of the opposition are contained, created for demonstrations organized on memorial days of historical events. These documents include leaflets related to the 1989 headstone installation. One of the boxes in the series features ephemera and other graphic works, organised by subject: the part on the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 contains small prints of the banned exhibition The Fighting City, along with stamps and badges used at the time. Topics like the Danube Circle and the Black Box Foundation also appear here. Some of the graphics, stickers, and other items were designed especially for Inconnu. The last box in the series contains large posters which are partly related to various events of the Group Inconnu. A few copies of a poster designed for the reburial of Imre Nagy in 1989 are also part of these materials, as well as other posters issued by international organizations, including the ones created by the World Federation of Democratic Youth.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

The series contains materials of good physical condition.

Accruals

Not Expected

System of arrangement

The series is arranged alphabetically. In the last two boxes small prints and posters are placed.

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

Not Restricted

Languages

Hungarian

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by Örs Lehel Tari, July 30, 2019.