Crater Lake National Park WPA poster – c1930
Crater Lake in south-central Oregon in the United States of America. It is famous for its deep blue colour and its water clarity.The lake was formed over 7,700 years ago created following the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama. The lake is the deepest in the United States with a depth of 1,949 feet. The lake features two small islands, Wizard Island which can be seen in the WPA poster and Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar. The vintage Crater Lake travel poster advertises Daily Lake trips featuring Wizard Island, Lave Fields, Witches Cauldron, Devil’s Backbone and Phantom Ship. The poster also suggests visits to Kiser Studio, Community House and the Sinnott Memorial Overlook.
The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialised world. It lasted from 1929 to 1939. By 1933, when the Great Depression reached its lowest point, some 15 million Americans were unemployed and nearly half the country’s banks had failed. In 1935, President Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration, as part of the New Deal program. The intention was to put millions of unemployed Americans back to work.
Posters were a huge part of the program and the U.S. government became a vital patron of the arts, employing hundreds of artists to create millions of posters promoting positive social ideals and programs as well as a uniquely American way of life. They were designed to publicise community activities, health and education programs, exhibitions, and theatrical productions across 17 of the US states. At least 2000 posters are known to exist. Through the posters distinct imagery and clear and simple messages, the posters of the WPA (Works Projects Administration) provide a unique snapshot of an important era in America’s past. The resulting designs are a significant historical record of steps taken to help the nation recover from the worst economic collapse in its history.
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 £15. So you can bag a bargain of print and frame for a great price.
