Date: 28/11/2017

The golden age of the railway poster was undoubtedly 1890 to 1960 with many of the most famous or intriguing examples appearing between the years of 1919 and 1939. Why were they commissioned? As an enticement to holidaymakers soon to decide where next to go, those epic journeys drummed up valuable custom for railway companies for the laying on of hundreds of dedicated excursion trains, in addition to numerous Friday night and all-day Saturday specials before the ravages of Dr Beechings cuts. And where would you find these posters? On nearly every gas-lit railway station platform especially in the great mill, manufacturing and mining towns. Just where theyd be most noticed, as folks went about their daily business; giving them a goal at exactly the time their employers were sponsoring wakes weeks, providing up to 10 extra days pay for breadwinners.

External links

The joy of the adventurous railway poster

Independent

Godfrey Holmes introduces his choice of sixteen iconic railway posters “ all pre-dating the nationalisation of Britains railways in 1948

Related images

Above is a poster depicting Cruden Bay Hotel, built amongst the dunes north of Aberdeen by the GNSR to cater for golfers using the championship course. An electric tramway ran from Cruden Bay Station on the Boddam branch. The hotel was demolished after WW II, though the exceptional golf course remains. Below is the view in 2013. [See image 40796]
Location: Cruden Bay
Company: Boddam Branch (Great North of Scotland Railway)
/05/2013 Brian Taylor

Old BR poster The Queen of Scots 1928-1964. [See image 37611]
Location: Poster
Company: British Rail
// John Furnevel

The British Rail / Caledonian Steam Packet Co 1969 summer season poster advertising the sailings on Loch Lomond by PS Maid of the Loch from Balloch Pier. Trains continued to run to Balloch Pier station for another 17 years, with closure taking place on 29 September 1986. [See image 16428]
Location: Balloch Pier
Company: Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway
//1969 John McIntyre