Collections

The Railway Poster in Britain

London and North Eastern Railway (LNER)

In the London and North Eastern Railway, relations between the constituent companies were generally amicable and the new company soon got into its stride. 

Its first poster, issued in March 1923, featured a view by Fred Taylor of the interior of York Minster. It was much admired. Over the next few months a stream of colourful images appeared on the hoardings as the new advertising campaign got under way. The LNER used slogans to provide a constant reminder to passengers about its major routes: 'King's Cross for Scotland' and 'Harwich for the Continent' were to appear frequently on posters and other publicity material. 

York Minster poster

London and North Eastern Railway
York Minster by Fred Taylor, 1923
© National Railway Museum / Science & Society Picture Library

Some of the best poster campaigns during the 1920's and 1930's were used to promote the speed and comfort of the trains, particularly with those operating the lines between London and Scotland. Rivalry was pursued between the LMS and LNER during the 1920's and 1930's. In 1935 the LNER introduced its first streamlined train, the Silver Jubilee, which ran between London and Newcastle. This was followed two years later by the Coronation, which covered the distance between London and Edinburgh in only six hours.

Take me by the Flying Scotsman poster

London and North Eastern Railway
Take me by the Flying Scotsman by A.R. Thomson, 1932
© National Railway Museum / Science & Society Picture Library