Cruising on the Firth of Clyde poster – Frank Henry Mason – c1948
This vintage British Railways Firth of Clyde poster was created by the artist Frank Mason who was responsible for many railway posters of the era. The image Mason offers is one of the Scottish estuary, the Firth of Clyde as two of British Railways most loved steamships pass each other along the River Clyde.
Despite the economic problems of the 1930’s, there had been a concerted effort in the construction of new ships for the River Clyde. Eleven steam ships, seven paddleships and four turbines had been built. These new vessels were the last significant use of steam technology anywhere in Europe. Amongst them was the well-loved paddle steamer Jeanie Deans. Named in the ongoing North British Railway tradition of naming their vessels after characters from Sir Walter Scott novels. On the poster the Jeanie Deans is the ship on the left.
The Jeanie Deans was a modestly designed ship, but it was powerful and fast. It was originally designed to transport LNER railway passengers to Dunoon ahead of their rivals, despite having a longer sea crossing. She was a popular boat, providing summer cruises from Craigendoren until 1964.
The second ship featured on this vintage Firth of Clyde poster is the King George V. The revolutionary King Edward, built in 1901 for Clyde service was the world’s first steam turbine powered passenger ship, using a more efficient use of steam. The speed and economy of the King George V soon made the turbine the chosen method of propulsion for Clyde steamers on the long-haul cruise routes such as to Campbeltown and Inverary.
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.
