Cornwall GWR Railway Poster – Vintage Cornwall Travel Poster – Frank Sherwin – c1934
This Cornwall GWR Railway Poster was created by the English artist Frank Sherwin around 1934. In the art world, Derby-born artist Frank Sherwin is perhaps best remembered for his traditional landscape paintings, produced in oils and watercolours. However, in the world of posters, Sherwin is renowned for his creative compositions for several of the large Railway companies of the 1920s and 1930s. His talent for creating dynamic and effective railway posters included work for the Great Western Railway (GWR), London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), London and North East Railway(LNER), and British Rail (BR). Sherwin’s remarkable skill brought to life iconic images that beckoned travellers to explore the beauty all across the British Isles.
Sherwin’s style was influenced by the aesthetics of poster art, which often featured bold, simplified shapes and designs that were easily recognisable from a distance. He developed a bold, two-dimensional style using large blocks of vivid flat colour and eliminating detail that was perfect for the railway poster. It was a technique utilised by other British poster artists of the era including Tom Purvis and Fred Taylor.
Sherwin’s vibrant portrayals created in oil paints, gouache or watercolors made his posters highly effective in their advertising purpose. Among the artists best-known travel posters are his portrayals of the Somerset, Yorkshire, Plymouth and Worcestershire landscapes. However, the prolific poster designer produced posters for many other destinations across the length and bredth of the nation.
Bright depictions promoting picturesque destinations such as Wales, Windsor, and Kent, as well as coastal gems like Penzance, Seaford, and Herne Bay, have captivated travelers for generations. Tranquil landscapes include spots like Loch Eck, Somerset, and Robin Hood’s Bay, while the dramatic allure of the Pass of Glencoe and the maritime charm of Plymouth beckon adventurers.
Sherwin’s talent also graced destinations like Bangor, Deal, and Devon with portrayals, showcasing their unique attractions and natural beauty. He brought to life the enchanting regions of Rothesay, Teesdale, and Ross on Wye, each a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Posters featuring the Derbyshire Dales and Aberdeen stand as testaments to Sherwin’s artistry in travel advertising, enticing explorers to embrace the beauty and adventure these destinations have to offer. Together, these artworks have left an indelible mark on the world of travel advertising, promising unforgettable journeys to those who heed their call.
Produced and published by Great Western Railway the Cornwall GWR Railway Poster on this listing is considered one of Sherwin’s standout creations. In this captivating artwork, a Cornish harbour comes to life in a burst of vivid colour. The focal point is a lugger with its bright red sail raised in prepartion of setting sail. The traditional fishing vessels were at one time commonplace in Cornwall’s harbours.
Anchored alongside the lugger are other boats, each telling its own story of seafaring and maritime heritage. The harbour, with its charming quays and cottages, exudes an irresistible charm that transports viewers to the heart of Cornwall’s coastal communities.
The poster is a timeless piece that captures the essence of Cornwall’s coastal allure. This poster is a quintessential representation of the classic travel posters of its era, inviting viewers on a visual journey to the heart of Cornwall’s maritime world. It beautifully encapsulates the coastal enchantment and rugged beauty that have long drawn travelers to Cornwall’s shores.
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
