Poland Solidarnosc (Solidarity) Underground Post Labels

Poland · 1982 · Various Złoty

This is a collection of cinderellas, or non-postal labels, produced by the Polish Solidarność (Solidarity) trade union movement. These labels were printed and distributed clandestinely by the underground opposition during the period of martial law in Poland. The designs often feature patriotic symbols, portraits of Lech Wałęsa, Pope John Paul II, and imagery protesting the communist regime.

Following the imposition of martial law in Poland in December 1981, the Solidarity movement was outlawed. In response, an extensive underground network emerged, which included printing presses that produced these labels to raise funds and spread messages of resistance.