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t be Drowned, Travel Underground - 1927 art deco Underground poster design
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A. E. HalliwellDon
t be Drowned, Travel Underground - 1927 art deco Underground poster design1927
1927
$1,411.24
£1,035
€1,200.94
CA$1,942.98
A$2,126.35
CHF 1,123.59
MX$25,379.45
NOK 14,338.43
SEK 13,113.66
DKK 8,970.38
About the Item
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987)
Don't be drowned, travel underground
Gouache
11 x 6 cm
1927
Signed, dated and inscribed 'Poster design 12.5" x 20" executed 1927'
Provenance: Family of the artist
A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, illustrator, and designer best known for his vibrant poster designs created for British railway companies during the mid-20th century. Born in Southport, Halliwell developed a strong foundation in art and design early in life. He studied at the Southport School of Art from 1923 to 1926 before graduating to the Royal College of Art in London and subsequently practising as a professional designer from the 1930s. Following his studies, Halliwell married Doris Doyle in Strood Kent, and went on to have a significant teaching career himself, most notably as a lecturer at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (later part of Central Saint Martins), where he influenced a new generation of designers and illustrators.
Halliwell is perhaps best remembered for his vibrant and engaging poster designs created for British railway companies during the 1930s. His work was characterised by a bright, graphic style that balanced charm with clarity, often depicting idealised scenes of British holiday destinations—from sunny seaside towns to tranquil countryside vistas. Beyond posters, his artistic output included book illustration, commercial design, and stage costume sketches, showcasing his versatility across mediums. His posters continue to remain enduring symbols of a golden age of British travel and design and are displayed in major collections including the London Transport Museum and the V
A.
This poster design cleverly contrasts the perils of winter travel on icy streets with the safety and reliability of the London Underground. Halliwell's use of sharp angles and limited colour palette heightens the emotional impact, making the message both memorable and visually compelling. It is a fine example of early 20th-century transport poster art that blends public service messaging with striking modernist aesthetics.
As Halliwell signals beneath this design, the poster was executed and featured around the London Underground system throughout the 1930s.
- Creator:A. E. Halliwell (1905 - 1987)
- Creation Year:1927
- Dimensions:Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 2.37 in (6 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:Generally very good.
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU795316133732
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