Vous trouverez sûrement un moyen de lui apprendre le caniveau Circa 1985

“Vous trouverez sûrement un moyen de lui apprendre le caniveau” is a charming and satirical original poster from circa 1985, commissioned by the Mairie de Paris as part of its public hygiene campaign. Illustrated by the legendary British cartoonist Ronald Searle, the poster humorously addresses urban cleanliness through the delicate lens of wit, character, and civic responsibility.

Searle’s instantly recognizable style animates the scene: a large, expressive dog sits confused on a Parisian sidewalk while a man, on hands and knees, pleads earnestly with his canine companion. Above them floats the gentle admonition:
"Vous trouverez sûrement un moyen de lui apprendre le caniveau" ("You’ll surely find a way to teach him about the gutter.").

This is not just a plea for cleanliness—it’s a slice of urban comedy. The dog, full of personality, looks on with a quizzical “?” over its head, while the man’s exaggerated earnestness captures the absurd lengths to which pet owners might go to teach etiquette. The background—delicately sketched in pencil and pastel hues—features classic Haussmannian architecture, rooting the message in the romantic, lived-in heart of Parisian daily life.

At the bottom, the slogan “L’écologie, ce n’est pas seulement à la campagne” ("Ecology is not just for the countryside") reinforces the city’s broader environmental message: small actions, like picking up after your dog, are essential acts of urban ecology.

As part of a series of humorous public service announcements, this poster is both a collectible piece of 1980s civic design and a timeless reminder of the importance of shared responsibility in city living. Ronald Searle’s biting charm and visual storytelling transform a mundane subject into a moment of reflection and laughter—a perfect example of how art and public messaging can beautifully intersect.

Ecology - Advertising

Ecology is not just for the countryside

Good condition, slight creases