1928 Molesey Regatta Poster July 21st, 1928
Although the Molesey Regatta doesn’t have the same level of international recognition as the historic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, in its heyday, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Moseley Regatta rivalled the more famous Henley Royal Regatta for its popularity. Photographs of the Molesey Regatta, taken during the first decade of the 1900s portray hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators lining the stretch of the Thames between Sunbury Lock and Hampton Church known as the ‘Molesey Mile’. Many of the spectators and picnickers arrived at the venue by boat. For those not attending the regatta by whatever floating vessel they could get their hands on, London Transport were keen to advertise its tram service to destinations along the River Thames. This 1928 Molesey Regatta Poster, was commissioned by London Transport’s Chief Executive Frank Pick to promote the forthcoming event. Unusually for London Transport posters the name of the artist is not known although the letters CCS appear on the print in a circle with a cross on the top, suggestive of a signature or logo of some kind. The poster image’s bold, two-dimensional style, lack of detail and use of large blocks of flat colour are reminiscent of the work of the British artist Tom Purvis who worked with the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) between 1923 and 1943.
The unknown artist has created a superb art deco inspired image that focuses on the spectators rather than the boat race itself. The array of boating jackets, parasols, and balloons in blue, yellow, red and pink colours portrays a celebratory, carnival-like scene of people enjoying the race from their vantage point of the boats on the River Thames. There is little to signify that the image is even connected to a boat race other than a hint of boat shapes across the river and the two people holding oars upright in the centre of the image.
The words Molesey Regatta July 21st appear in blue handwritten art deco lettering in the top right-hand corner of the image. The destination details appear to be written on the hull of a boat along the foot of the poster. It reads By Tram. Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush or Wimbledon Stations along with the UndergrounD logo. The vintage Underground poster captures the spirit of the Molesey Regatta and exemplifies the allure it held for attendees during that era.
Molesey Regatta
Molesey Regatta was founded in 1867 by Molesey Boat Club. It is a rowing regatta that is held on the River Thames in England. It takes place at Molesey in the County of Surrey on the reach above Molesey Lock. The event attracts crews from rowing clubs based at rivers and canals from around the United Kingdom. Racing takes place on the 850-metre downstream course that stretches from Sunbury Lock and Hampton Church.
The inaugural race was a huge success but it was also a huge undertaking for the small rowing club. To organise the next event an independent committee was set up… the Molesey Amateur Regatta. Together with considerable support from the Moseley Boat Club the local regatta became an annual event and has remained that way ever since.
Racing has taken place over the beautiful stretch of the Thames between Sunbury Lock and Hampton Church ever since the early days but with several changes to the start and finish positions. The ‘Molesey Mile’ was one of the most famous and challenging courses and it included two slow bends in each direction – a deceptive course to win.
Nowadays the regatta is over two days – this being the only way to accommodate all the entries.
Other Molesey Regatta posters
Beyond the exhilarating rowing battles and the roar of the crowd, the Molesey Regatta has also left an indelible mark on the world of art and design. Over the years, the regatta has commissioned renowned artists to create vibrant and captivating posters that embody the spirit of this prestigious event. These artistic masterpieces, published by the Underground Electric Railway Company (UERL), have become timeless relics, encapsulating the essence of the regatta and its rich history.
In 1914, the regatta enlisted the talents of Fred Taylor, a distinguished artist known for his captivating poster designs. Taylor’s black and white image appears to be the first to feature an illustration of the crowds of spectators lounging around the riverside banks of the Thames. His dynamic composition captured the attention of passersby and beckoned them to experience the excitement of the Molesey Regatta firsthand. Depicting rowers in action against a backdrop of the idyllic Thames, Taylor’s artwork became an symbol of the regatta’s allure.
A decade later, in 1924, the regatta turned to another gifted artist, Freda Beard, to create a poster that would grace the streets of London. Beard’s artwork showcased her remarkable talent for capturing movement and energy. With meticulous brushstrokes, she captured the grace and determination of rowers as they propelled their boats through the tranquil waters. Beard’s poster became a popular representation of the regatta, a testament to the enduring legacy it had established.
In 1925, the regatta continued its collaboration with esteemed artists, this time entrusting LB Black with the task of designing a captivating poster. Black’s artwork encapsulated the regatta’s spirit, blending bold typography and vivid imagery to convey the excitement and prestige of the event. The poster, displayed throughout the city, served as a vibrant invitation, beckoning both rowing enthusiasts and curious spectators to witness the regatta’s grandeur.
As the regatta ventured into the 1930s, it sought the talents of prominent artists such as Edward McKnight Kauffer and Albert Edward Halliwell. McKnight Kauffer, celebrated for his avant-garde style, infused his poster with abstract shapes and vibrant colours, creating a visual feast that captured the regatta’s dynamism and innovation. Halliwell, on the other hand, brought his meticulous attention to detail to his artwork, depicting punters making their way to the regatta in his unique artistic style.
Each poster, meticulously crafted by these visionary artists, became a testament to the enduring appeal of the Molesey Regatta. They adorned the walls of train stations, tram stops, and underground tunnels, captivating the imagination of commuters and passersby. These artistic collaborations between the regatta and the UERL not only elevated the event’s profile but also left an indelible imprint on the world of design.
Today, these historic posters serve as a window into the regatta’s past, offering a glimpse into the artistic interpretations that have accompanied its evolution. They stand as tangible reminders of the regatta’s enduring legacy, reflecting the interplay between sport and art, and showcasing the shared commitment to excellence and creativity.
As the Molesey Regatta continues to make its mark on the rowing world, its posters by renowned artists remain as timeless tributes to the event’s grandeur. They invite us to step back in time, to a bygone era when rowing competitions and artistic expression converged, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who encountered them.
