Ampelmann tuns 50

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A topic from Skills, Talents & Leisure: History

laresWed 26/10/11 20:09

"East Germany's most enduring public figure is celebrating his 50th birthday this Thursday: The colourful little traffic light man has watched over millions of pedestrians and become an international design icon."

"Created in 1961, Ampelmann guarded the roads in the formerly communist half of Germany while sporting a pointy hat and a jaunty stride.

But today he exists beyond pedestrian crossings, having become a popular Berlin souvenir in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Creator Karl Peglau never imaged the cult status his pedestrian traffic crossing symbol would acquire when he realised the need for change on the streets of East Germany. As a government traffic psychologist, he was concerned for the growing number of vehicles on the roads, and the lack of adequate safety measures for people on foot.

For Peglau, there was only one answer, the implementation of a new traffic light for pedestrians. But this new light couldn't just be anything, his widow Hildegard Peglau explained recently: 'My husband was certain. Only when pedestrians like and understand a traffic symbol, will they follow him.'

So, when Peglau wasn't working, he was hatching designs. Sure in his belief that it needed to be more than just another flashing bulb on the already illuminated streets, he wanted to create something with a personal feel. The final result would have to be something that would speak to people.

Ideas for its general appearance came to Peglau relatively quickly. One of the only points of contention was, however, the figure's hair-do. A side parting, with its potentially Hitler undertones, was quickly vetoed. A curly mop was also deemed too stereotypically southern German, and rejected as well.

However, the solution came by surprise one summer's day. Peglau's TV flickered with an image of East German leader Erich Honecker enjoying the sunny weather. And on his head was the straw hat that would be the inspiration for the Ampelmann headgear."

http://1sq.me/sNPOwL

No wonder he looks so much fun and good natured, it's based on Erich Honecker!

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