Travel posters are a form of advertising that promotes certain destinations by using eye-catching imagery and persuasive text to entice and convince the reader or the perceiver to get excited and visit a particular place. Vintage travel posters usually refer to old posters made in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. The majority of them are now valuable for their artistic and historical significance. On the other hand, there are travel posters from the current era that mimic the vintage look to evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure.
Origins
The origins of vintage travel posters go back to the late 19th century. The time when invention of trains and ocean liners made travel more accessible to the general public. Travel agencies, railroads, shipping companies, and tourism boards saw the potential of using visual advertisements to attract tourists. These posters were often displayed in train stations, travel agencies, and other public spaces to capture the attention of potential travelers.
Artistic Movements and Influences
Many of these posters were influenced by the artistic movements of their time. Such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modernism. These posters reflect the aesthetic trends and design philosophies of their respective eras. Art Nouveau, for instance, emphasized flowing lines, organic forms, and intricate designs, while Art Deco embraced geometric shapes, bold colors, and a streamlined, futuristic style.
Collectibility and Value
Due to the artistic value of travel posters, they have gained popularity among many collectors. Besides artistic values, they carry historical significance as well as nostalgia. Some posters are more valuable than others and can fetch substantial prices at auctions or collector markets. Their value usually depends on such factors as rarity, condition, artist recognition, and the popularity of the destination they depict. For example, a poster of Hawaii made by Charles Allen in 1960 was made during an auction for $2640. The poster features surfers catching a huge wave. Or the poster of Los Angeles made by David Klein circa 1958 was sold for $3600. The poster captures artists’ interpretation of the Hollywood Bowl and includes many rays and a starry night sky with a jet.
Where to find vintage posters? There are many major museums and galleries around the world that offer varied and broad collections of many historical and vintage items:
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Located in New York City, MoMA has an extensive collection of modern art, which may include vintage travel posters from various eras. (You can buy tickets online, and get a discount if you buy them in bundle.)
Victoria and Albert Museum – Situated in London, this museum has a comprehensive collection of art and design objects, including vintage travel posters. (General admission is free and you don’t need to book.)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – With locations in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, this museum often features vintage travel posters related to aviation and space travel. (Admission is free but free timed-entry passes are required.)
Poster House – Situated in New York City, this museum is entirely dedicated to posters, including vintage travel posters.
Sources:
www.wikipedia.com
www.picryl.com
www.liveauctioneers.com/news/auctions/auction-results/vintage-travel-posters-power-potter-potter-to-405k-result-may-15/
About Author
Freya
Photographer, artist, content creator, and a solo female traveler since 2017.