This original 1922 travel poster was produced for the London and South Western Railway, promoting the Channel Islands as an idyllic holiday destination accessible via Southampton. Created in the early golden age of railway tourism, the poster is a refined example of British travel advertising designed to entice middle-class travelers seeking leisure, scenery, and mild climates.
The composition is structured around a richly illustrated central map highlighting Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark, with clear maritime routes connecting the islands to the English south coast. This cartographic element is framed by photographic-style coastal views, including dramatic cliffs and tranquil bays, reinforcing the islands’ appeal as both picturesque and easily reachable. The headline slogan, “The Holiday Elysium,” evokes classical imagery of paradise and escape, perfectly aligned with post–First World War aspirations for rest and renewal.
Stylistically, the poster blends late Edwardian decorative typography with emerging modern clarity. The warm, earthy color palette and symmetrical layout convey reassurance and elegance, while the detailed map underscores the reliability and organization associated with railway and steamship travel. Such posters were intended not only as advertisements but also as informational tools, guiding potential visitors through routes, destinations, and highlights.
Issued in 1922, this poster reflects a pivotal moment in British tourism history, when railways played a central role in shaping leisure travel. Today, it is valued as both a historical document and a decorative work, admired for its balanced design, fine printing, and evocative portrayal of the Channel Islands as a refined and restorative escape.
Original Poster
Railway - Card -Tourism
United Kingdom - London & South Western Railway - Plemont Point Jersey - Moulin Huet Bay Guernsey - The Coupé Sark
Waterlow & Sons London
Good condition, traces of folds
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