On 9th January 1863 the world’s first underground train made its first passenger journey of 3 1/2 miles from Paddington Station to Farringdon Station on the Metropolitan Railway Line in London. In 1908 London Underground commissioned its first poster advertising designs becoming one of the leading patrons in poster art.
The American-born graphic artist Edward McKnight Kauffer, for example, was one of Britain’s most notable and influential poster artists during the 20th century, producing some truly stunning posters for the London Underground and London Transport. The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden will be holding an exhibition - "Poster Art 150" - from 15 February to October 2013, showcasing works of art by both well known and lesser known artists who all made an impact on its outstanding poster advertising campaign.
To celebrate this special anniversary, here are some of the original vintage London Underground posters listed on the AntikBar website:
March Timetables, 1930s – artist: Beath (aka John Miles Fleming)
Buckingham Palace, 1934 – artist: Edward McKnight Kauffer
Hammersmith, 1936 – artist: Pat Keely
Staggered Working Hours, Staggered Travelling and Staggered Hours, 1945 – artist: Pat Keely
London Olympics Underground Map, 1948 – artist: unknown
Puppets, 1964 – artist: Thomas Osbourne Robinson
This article can also be read on the AntikBar WordPress blog page.
Featured Image: London Underground Shop in Town (artist: Leith), 1928
Link: http://www.antikbar.co.uk/product_detail/?pId=1880
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