Colwyn Bay poster – Montague Birrell Black – 1920

Colwyn Bay poster – Montague Birrell Black – 1920.

This is a reproduction of a vintage Colwyn Bay poster. The poster was illustrated by the renowned railway poster artist Montague Birrell Black. It was produced by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway to promote rail travel to the Welsh seaside resort on the north coast of Wales. Birrell Black’s vantage point is from somewhere near the Mynydd Marian Nature Reserve or what is now known as Raynes Quarry. The high viewpoint provides a stunning view down the hill past St John’s Church in Old Colwyn. The scene continues towards the beach and Victorian Pier at Colwyn Bay and out towards Rhos-on-Sea.

Montague Birrell Black’s Colwyn Bay poster formed part of the LMS’s ‘The Best Way’ series as poster number 23. Black has provided a note that tells the painting is  ‘An Autumn Dawn on Colwyn Bay’ and states the destination is ‘An ideal Winter and Summer resort.

Colwyn Bay grew with the introduction of the Railways to Colwyn in 1849. Originally named Colwyn the town was renamed Colwyn Bay in 1876 in a bid take advantage of the booming tourism trade. The poster features an image of the large sweeping bay with its beautiful Denbighshire countryside is dominant on this vintage Colwyn Bay poster. The poster also provides a lasting reminder of the Victorian Pier that runs across the centre of the beach. Sadly, it is another pier lost to time, as the pier was closed to the public in 2009 and demolished in 2018.

Our posters are carefully and professionally created from vintage originals. Whilst great care is taken in the production of these posters, we also try to maintain a vintage feel, so there may be small imperfections, fold marks, scuffs, tears or marks that were part of the original poster master. If these do appear they should be visible on the larger views of the item on this listing. The originals of many of the posters we offer can cost many thousands of pounds, so whilst these posters look great, especially framed and mounted on a wall, they are intended as a fun, affordable reproductions and not intended fine art prints.

The 50x70cm version has been specially produced to be used in conjunction with Ikea’s 50x70cm Ribba picture frame which currently retails for around £12. So you can bag a bargain of print and frame for a great price.