GNR – England’s First Aviation Races at Doncaster – 1909

This vintage 1909 railway poster is not only an early Great Northern Railway poster, it also advertises a historical event in aviation history. The wonderfully simple imagery advertises the first aviation races held in England. It features two early aeroplanes flying in the sky, a Blériot XI monoplane, in the foreground. The Blériot XI was the flagship of French aviation being the first to cross the English Channel in 1909, helping in it’s success. In the poster the Blériot is being pursued by a Wright style Model B biplane.

The races were extremely controversial because the dates for this air race had been set just three dys prior to an event that had already been organised by the Aero Club of the United Kingdom in Blackpool. The background to the event is well described in this article.     

The event was “Plagued by bad weather, the amount of flying done was far from impressive. Several of the trophies were withheld for lack of competition. There were arguments and recriminations, and the financial loss was considerable”

Original copies of this poster are now very sought after, and depending on condition, sell for up to £5000.

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 £12. So you can bag a bargain of print and poster for just £22.