Cornish Riviera poster – Vintage Cornwall poster – GWR Railway Poster – F.J. Widgery 1925
This fabulous Cornish Riviera poster was realised by the English artist Frederick John Widgery. The artist was renowned for his stunning fine art landscapes and coastal scenes of Devon and Cornwall. He is perhaps less well-known for his railway posters. In fact, as far as we can ascertain he only created two… this Cornish Riviera poster and a second entitled Glorious Devon. Both early railway posters were commissioned by the Great Western Railway and mimicked the new poster style instigated by Norman Wilkinson for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, whereby the poster featured a large, single image and the minimum of text.
F.J. Widgery’s Cornish Riviera railway poster transports us back to Perranporth in the mid 1920s. We have arrived, by train of course, on an unspoiled expanse of golden sand on Cornwall’s north coast known as Holywell Bay. The wide, sandy beach, backed by grassy dunes and surrounded by rugged headlands and rocky islands, is just a stone’s throw from the popular seaside towns of Perranporth and Newquay.
The poster depicts the twin islets that make up Gull Rocks which stand majestically about 150 feet from the sea floor. The islands stand about 1600 feet off the beach at Holywell Bay. Widgery’s 1920s poster depicts two of the larger islands in their entirety. Today, the tide never recedes far enough to walk out to Gull Rocks at low tide, however, they still make for impressive viewing from the seashore.
Gull Rock. also known as The Grey, is one of a row of four jagged little islands that can often be seen above sea level. The smaller rocks are known simply as Inner Stone, Middle Stone and Outer Stone. These rocky islands, especially Gull Rock, provide home and shelter to hundreds of birds.
John Carter the notorious Penzance smuggler
Gull Rock also goes by the dubious name of Carter’s Rocks, named after the local smuggling brothers Harry, Charles and John Carter. The Carter brothers, led by John Carter, were the most successful and notorious smugglers of the Penzance region between 1777 and 1807.
John Carter was an infamous 18th-century Cornish smuggler and pirate who operated along the coast of Cornwall, England, during the late 18th century. His real name was John Carter, but he earned the nickname “King of Prussia” due to his audacious and often flamboyant activities.
Carter was born in 1748 in the village of Prussia Cove, which is situated on the south coast of Cornwall. He came from a family of fishermen and, like many in the region, turned to smuggling as a means of making a living. Smuggling was a common practice in Cornwall during this era, as high taxes and import duties made it profitable to smuggle goods such as tobacco, spirits, and other contraband into the country.
What set John Carter apart was his daring and cunning. He and his band of smugglers were known for their ability to outwit customs officials and for their daring exploits at sea. They often used hidden caves along the rugged coastline to store their smuggled goods, and they would transport them under cover of darkness.
In addition to smuggling, John Carter and his crew engaged in acts of piracy, preying on ships that ventured too close to their territory. Their actions earned them a notorious reputation in the region, and they were a constant thorn in the side of law enforcement.
Carter’s smuggling and piracy activities continued for many years, and he was able to avoid capture for a considerable time. However, his luck eventually ran out. In 1801, he was captured by customs officers and imprisoned. He died in prison in 1809, bringing an end to his colorful and notorious career as the “King of Prussia.”
The other F.J. Widgery railway poster
The Great Western Railway and, subsequently, British Railways, frequently employed the enchanting allure of Cornwall and Devon as a central motif in their railway posters. One such vintage poster from 1925, skillfully crafted by the artist Frederick Widgery, serves as a captivating testament to the scenic Devonshire countryside. In the Glorious Devon poster Widgery’s artistic prowess shines through in his portrayal of the rugged and untamed splendor of Dartmoor in Devon, where the landscape boasts an abundance of striking granite hilltops, famously referred to as “tors.”
In this particular poster, the tors depicted bear a striking resemblance to the iconic Little Mis Tor and Great Mis Tors. These natural formations, steeped in geological history and folklore, stand as enduring symbols of Dartmoor’s unique charm. The artist’s skillful rendition captures the essence of these tors in such a way that viewers can almost feel the ancient energy emanating from these granite giants.
With its exquisite representation of Dartmoor’s natural beauty and the imposing tors, this artwork not only beckons travelers to explore the region but also serves as an enduring testament to the timeless allure of Devon’s landscape.
Other GWR railway posters
Cornwall, with its stunning coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and lush countryside, has long been a beloved destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Vintage railway posters, created during the golden age of travel, provide a nostalgic glimpse into Cornwall’s allure and the role of the railways in promoting this captivating region.
The early 20th century was the golden age of travel when railways were at the forefront of transportation. To entice travelers to explore the scenic delights of Cornwall, railway companies commissioned talented artists to create eye-catching posters that would promote the region’s unique charm.
Many vintage railway posters celebrated Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline. These posters featured dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, inviting travelers to experience the thrill of the Cornish sea. Artists skillfully captured the essence of Cornwall’s maritime heritage, iconic landmarks and outstanding scenery.
Cornwall’s quaint villages and historic towns also made frequent appearances in vintage railway posters. Picturesque locales like St. Ives, Polperro, and Padstow were depicted with colorful details, showcasing their charming streets, thatched cottages, and bustling harbors. These posters not only highlighted Cornwall’s beauty but also encouraged travelers to explore its hidden gems.
The railway journey itself was often romanticized in these posters. Picturesque trains winding through lush landscapes, crossing viaducts, and traveling alongside serene rivers were portrayed as part of the adventure. Travelers were encouraged to explore Cornwall not just as a destination but as a scenic journey.
Today, vintage railway posters promoting Cornwall serve as a valuable window into the past. These posters are not only nostalgic but also collectible, with enthusiasts around the world seeking them as treasures of a bygone era. They remind us of a time when travel was an art form, and destinations like Cornwall were unveiled through the talents of artists. Here are a few stunning examples.
Travelling to Cornwall in the 1920s was a glamorous and luxurious experience. The Cornish Riviera Express was considered one of the most prestigious rail journeys in England. Our first GWR poster depicts that journey. It was created by Charles Mayo in 1939 and offers a superb rendering of the King George VI locomotive hauling holiday carriages bound for the West Country. The train was renowned for its elegance, featuring luxurious carriages with polished wood interiors, plush seating, and large windows that allowed passengers to enjoy the scenic views.
A splendid Cornwall railway poster from 1937, crafted by Leonard Cusden, captures the serene beauty of Newquay, one of the nation’s beloved seaside destinations. The picturesque artwork features two children joyfully exploring a rock pool beneath towering cliffs. The poster also provides insight into the affordability of the London-to-Cornwall journey, hinting at the cost of monthly return tickets, which were available at an incredibly economical rate of a ‘Penny a Mile.’
Presumably, by the time Alker Tripp’s Cornwall poster featuring Kynance Cove was published just a year later, the prices had risen because the Penny a Mile statement had gone. Kynance Cove with its white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a breathtaking sight. Its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations have long attracted photographers and artists. In fact, it is widely considered the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall.
Cornwall was a railway destination that featured heavily in both Great Western Railways and British Railway’s poster output and many famous and less well-known artists have created posters to get tourists to make the journey there by train. Posters include the 1953 British Railways poster by Gyrth Russell, that depicts the harbour at Polperro. The 1940s poster by Jack Merriot, that portrays the scene at Penzance Harbour. A personal favorite is the 1960 poster by Arthur Wilcox, that offers a beautiful beach scene at Cornwall’s Sennon Cove.
We currently list around thirty Cornwall reproduction posters on our website and we are adding new ones all the time. There’s bound to be one that captures the essence of Cornwall for you
