Collections

The Railway Poster in Britain

Introduction

The story of railways in Britain is reflected in the development of the railway poster.This commercial art form illustrates the major changes that have occurred in British society over the years and captures the spirit and character of British life. They are social documents of British culture, illustrating the changing styles of art, patterns of holiday making, urban and rural landscapes, architecture and fashion. They also reflect the development of railway companies and their design and advertising standards.

Glorious Devon poster

Great Western Railway
Glorious Devon by F. T. Widgery, 1925
© National Railway Museum / Science & Society Picture Library