The Glacier De Bionnassay Poster – 1930
This fabulous Glacier de Bionnassay poster is one of Roger Broder’s most famous posters. It was produced by the Paris Lyon, Mediterranee (PLM) railway to promote tourism to the Bionnassay Glacier by train. The poster features the view of the Mont-Blanc Tramway as it exits the tunnel at the Glacier et l’Aiguille de Bionnassay. Broder’s image depicts the incredible, scene that opens up before your eyes. The sight of the beautiful Bionnassay Glacier after leaving the darkness of the tunnel must be truly breathtaking.
The Bionnassay Glacier is the smallest of the great glaciers on the French side of Mont Blanc. However, at almost 5km long, it is still an awesomely impressive sight along one of France’s most picturesque railway journeys. As if the Glacier wasn’t enough to entice travellers, tourists and winter sports fans to the region, there standing majestically in the background, is the sight of Mont Blanc. Mont-Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and indeed Europe. Even now, as I write this listing, Broder’s image is impressive enough to make me want to take the journey and visit the Glacier de Bionnassay myself!
The viewpoint Broder has chosen for his poster design is almost identical to a black and white postcard image taken around 1914. The photograph, (which can be seen here) of the Terminus of the Mont-Blanc railway leading to the Bionnassay glacier (2800 m.). The photo includes The Tunnel, the glacier and the Aiguille de Bionnassay (4061 m.). It was taken around 1914 when the work on the railway project had been suspended. It’s great to see be able to compare and see how much more interesting and dynamic Broder’s painting has made the view.
The text at the bottom of the poster reads Chemin de Fer du Mont-Blanc de St. Gervais au Glacier de Bionnassay and the words “Paris-Lyon-Mediterranee” appear at the top. The poster is incredibly eye-catching and would have been very effective in promoting tourism by train to the glacier. Today, Broders’ work is highly sought after by collectors and often sells for thousands of pounds. However, even if you’re not able to purchase one of his originals, you can still enjoy his work by admiring it online
Chemin de Fer du Mont-Blanc de St Gervais au Glacier De Bionnassay
The Tramway du Mont-Blanc was built between 1906 and 1914. It is the highest cogwheel train in France. The tramway of Mont-Blanc or TMB is the railway of Mont Blanc that connects the train station of St Gervais, le Fayet to the Eagle’s Nest station at the Bionnassay Glacier
In the summer months, the Tramway provides a spectacular ascent to the Nid d’Aigle (“Eagle’s Nest”) which offers an exceptional view of the Bionnassay glacier that rises above the hamlet of Bionnassay, at an altitude of 1320 metres, in the heart of a place of great beauty. It is also the gateway to the Mont-Blanc Royal Traverse route which follows glaciers and snow crests for forty-one kilometers along the main axis of the mountain. In winter, the Mont-Blanc Railway takes you straight to the slopes of the extremely popular ski area of Les Houches-St Gervais and provides access to the magnificent views of the Bellevue plateau.
Roger Broders – The Glacier De Bionnassay Poster Artist
Roger Broders was a French artist who specialised in travel and tourism posters. His work is characterised by bold colors and elegantly composed images. He produced posters for a wide variety of destinations. Much of his work features the beaches of the French Riviera, the beautiful French countryside, or the snow-capped mountains of the Alps and the Pyrenees. His work was extremely popular during the 1920s and 1930s, and his posters are now highly sought-after by collectors and his posters are considered to be among the finest examples of Art Deco poster design.
His work was highly influential in promoting tourism in France. Today, Broders’ work is highly sought after by collectors and often sells for thousands of pounds. However, even if you’re not able to purchase one of his originals, you can still enjoy his work by owning one of our high-quality reproduction posters. Our posters are printed on thick, high-quality paper, and they’re perfect for framing and hanging in your home or office. Plus, they make great gifts for any occasion!
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 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.