Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

William Henry
1948 original travel poster by William Henry for BEA – British European Airways

1948

$3,216.76
£2,389.83
€2,700
CA$4,460.18
A$4,796.55
CHF 2,564.73
MX$57,845.06
NOK 32,432.71
SEK 29,550.38
DKK 20,578.48

About the Item

This elegant 1948 original travel poster by Henry William promotes BEA – British European Airways, the airline that would later become part of British Airways. Created in the early years of commercial aviation’s post-war expansion, the poster captures the optimism and modernity associated with air travel at the dawn of the jet age. The design presents a stylised map of the British Isles, over which a fleet of aircraft flies in formation, visually suggesting speed, connection, and a new era of European mobility. The small open window revealing a London landmark subtly links the national identity of Britain with the promise of international horizons. Stylistically, the poster reflects the refined modernism of late-1940s graphic design. Clear geometry, soft yet confident colour blocks, and simplified forms replace pre-war ornamentation. The calm blues and greens evoke sky and sea, while the bold red BEA lettering anchors the composition with corporate strength and clarity. Rather than relying on dramatic imagery, Henry William constructs a vision of reliability and elegance, perfectly aligned with the aspirations of a public rediscovering leisure, travel, and technological progress after years of conflict. Beyond its role as advertising, this poster stands today as a historical document of early post-war aviation culture. It reflects a moment when airlines were not only transporting passengers, but shaping dreams of freedom, discovery, and a newly interconnected Europe. With its balanced composition and confident modern style, this BEA poster remains a fine example of mid-20th-century travel poster art and the visual language of progress. Original Poster Airline - Tourism - United Kingdom Printed in England
  • Creator:
    William Henry
  • Creation Year:
    1948
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 39.77 in (101 cm)Width: 24.81 in (63 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792217450142

More From This Seller

View All
1956 original poster by Ivor Adelman for BEA – British European Airways
Located in PARIS, FR
This striking 1956 original poster by Ivor Adelman for BEA – British European Airways is a brilliant example of post-war British graphic design, where aviation, fashion, and modern l...
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1962 original poster for BEA (British European Airways) - Tower of London
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1962 original poster for BEA (British European Airways), titled "Londres: The Tower of London", was created as part of a campaign to promote London as a prime destination for international tourists. The poster specifically highlighted the Tower of London, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, as a symbol of England’s rich history and cultural significance. During the 1960s, British European Airways played a pivotal role in shaping modern air travel within Europe and beyond. This poster was part of their effort to combine the allure of travel with the timeless appeal of London's historic sites. The Tower of London, with its storied past as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, was an ideal subject to attract history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a quintessentially British experience. The choice of the Tower of London as the focal point of this campaign underscored the growing interest in cultural tourism during the post-war era. As more people gained access to affordable air travel, cities like London sought to position themselves as must-visit destinations, offering a blend of historical charm and cosmopolitan appeal. BEA’s marketing strategy with this poster aligned with their broader mission of connecting travelers to Europe’s most captivating destinations. The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of resilience and intrigue, served as a powerful emblem of what London had to offer. Today, this 1962 BEA poster...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1949 Original poster by Falcucci for Air France across Europe
By Robert Falcucci
Located in PARIS, FR
In the golden age of air travel, Air France soared to new heights as a symbol of elegance and adventure. The airline's promotional efforts were often complemented by captivating trav...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1949 original travel poster by Jean Carlu for Pan American World Airways
By Jean Carlu
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1949 original travel poster by Jean Carlu for Pan American World Airways offers a captivating invitation to explore the stunning beauty and sophistication of the French Riviera. Jean Carlu, a renowned French graphic designer and poster artist, was celebrated for his distinctive style characterized by bold geometric forms and dynamic compositions. In this poster, Carlu skillfully captures the allure of the French Riviera as a premier destination for leisure and luxury travel. The poster features a stylized depiction of a glamorous couple disembarking from a Pan American airplane against the backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline. The azure waters, palm trees, and iconic architecture evoke the sun-kissed ambiance and cosmopolitan charm for which the Riviera is renowned. Carlu's use of vibrant colors, sleek lines, and streamlined shapes imbues the poster with a sense of modernity and sophistication, reflecting the glamour and excitement of jet-set travel in the mid-20th century. The bold typography and Pan Am logo...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

Striking 1937 original travel poster by Alexandre Gérald - Air France
Located in PARIS, FR
This striking 1937 original travel poster by Alexandre Gérald celebrates the golden age of aviation through the lens of cultural diversity and global exploration. Commissioned by Air...
Category

1930s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Original 1948 travel poster by Lewitt-Him - AOA to USA American Oversea Airlines
Located in PARIS, FR
This original 1948 travel poster by the renowned design duo Lewitt-Him was created for American Overseas Airlines (AOA) to promote transatlantic flights between Europe and the United...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

1947 British Airways - Overseas European S. American Original Vintage Poster
Located in Winchester, GB
Beautiful mid century marvel for British Airways. Created in 1947, this piece advertises the British Overseas Airways Corporation, British European Airways, and the British South Ame...
Category

Vintage 1940s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Travel Advertising Poster British European Airways BEA Schleger
By Zero Hans Schleger
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel advertising poster for BEA British European Airways featuring a great mid-century illustration by the notable graphic designer Zero (Hans Schleger; 1898-1976)...
Category

Vintage 1950s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Midcentury British European Airways Poster for Business Abroad
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel advertising poster for British European Airways - Business Abroad In Half The Time BEA Takes You There And Brings You ...
Category

Vintage 1940s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Poster British Airways BOAC BSAA BEA World Route Map Air Travel
Located in London, GB
Original vintage advertising poster promoting British airline companies - BEA BOAC BSAA British European Overseas S American Airways - featuring a colourful graphic design showing three yellow and orange maps marked with flight routes and the respective company logo in white on black backgrounds. In 1949 BOAC British...
Category

Vintage 1940s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Travel Poster Imperial Airways British Airways London Paris
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel poster - Paris in speed & comfort in 70 flying minutes Imperial Airways British Airways 8 services a day - featuring a propeller plane flying against a blue s...
Category

Vintage 1930s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Travel Advertising Poster Londres Bruxelles BEA London Brussels
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel advertising poster - Londres Bruxelles / London Brussels BEA British European Airways - featuring a stunning modernist design depicting a plane flying through...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Posters

Materials

Paper