Advertising Philips Radio at the 1948 London Olympic Games

Today we're very used to seeing corporate sponsorship of sporting events - but the practice goes back to before the 20th century.

Individual Olympic Games have had sponsors since the very first Olympics in Athens in 1896 when companies paid for advertising. However, it was not until the 1980s that the Olympics made global sponsorship deals.

Philips at the 1948 Olympic Games

In 1948, the Olympic Games were held in London, the first since the end of World War II.

Dutch electronics pioneers Philips had won the contract to install the audio systems at these Games - as well as later in Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956).

Marking the occasion, these six bright and colourful advertisements for Philips Radio commemorate the 1948 Olympic Games.

This blog is part of the Europeana Sport project which showcases cultural treasures relating to sporting heritage in Europe.