Press Office
A jolly good anniversary at the National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum (NRM) is gearing up to celebrate the centenary of the legendary character, the Jolly Fisherman, this summer. The iconic poster of this larger than life figure is owned by the National Railway Museum and visitors in July will be able to enjoy three daily live performances by this popular character.
In 1908 the Great Northern Railway Company commissioned artist John Hassall to create an iconic poster that would encourage tourists to travel to Skegness and highlight its potential as a holiday destination. He was paid 12 guineas for his work and the Jolly Fisherman, along with it’s “SO bracing” slogan, went on to become one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time.
It has been said that the poster and slogan, alongside the expansion of the railways, caused Skegness’ rapid rise to fame and it went on to become an extremely popular destination for holiday makers, particularly during Wakes Week.
Wakes week was traditionally in July and saw many factories and mills close down completely for whole weeks at a time, to allow workers to have a holiday. It was around this time that the railways of Britain were developing, making seaside resorts such as Skegness much more accessible and appealing.
Today, the Jolly Fisherman poster is owned by the National Railway Museum and thanks to the new Museum’s new archive and research centre, Search Engine, such pieces of iconic railway artwork will soon be accessible to visitors.
Visitors to the Museum from 7-11 July will be able to celebrate the centenary by watching dramatised performances by the NRM’s very own Jolly Fisherman character. There will be three performances each day, set against the backdrop of the ‘Wish you were here’ exhibition in Station Hall – a permanent exhibition exploring the fascinating story of the railways and their vital role in the tourism industry.
Jon Pridmore, of the NRM’s Learning Department, said:
“In the fine tradition of Wakes Week, visitors this July are being encouraged to come along to the National Railway Museum to learn all about the Jolly Fisherman and see lively performances from the man himself. The story of the Jolly Fisherman demonstrates the valuable role railways have played in the history of holiday making and where better to learn more about this than the NRM!?”
July 2008