Ostrick’s stunning artwork, commissioned by British Railways, transports us to the early 1950s, and encapulates the very essence of leisure and coastal refinement. The artist’s strokes capture the timeless allure of a captivating raven-haired sunseeker. She dons a captivating, stylish fifties-style dark blue bathing suit that became fashionable again in the 2020s. With a seductive allure that seems almost magnetic, she graces the scene by perching gracefully upon a wooden groyne. The sun-kissed siren conjurs up the image of a mesmerising mermaid luring travellers to the Lancashire coastal town.
As the backdrop, a beautiful scene unfolds over Morecambe Bay. The bay, stretching from the southwestern coast of Cumbria to Lancashire’s Fleetwood, boasts the largest expanse of intertidal mudflats and sandy shores in the United Kingdom. It’s a sight to behold, with coastal towns like Morecambe and Grange Over Sands dotting the horizon.
Gazing beyond, one’s eyes are treated to a picturesque view of Windermere and the vast sandy bay that leads to the majestic mountain ranges of the Lake District National Park. Among these peaks stand iconic summits like Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, creating a mesmerizing natural scene that beckons explorers and nature enthusiasts.
This vintage poster not only evokes the timeless allure of Morecambe’s beaches but also serves as a window into the stunning coastal landscapes and natural wonders that grace the United Kingdom. It’s a nostalgic journey back to an era where the seaside was the ultimate escape and the beauty of both the environment and the captivating sunseeker combined to create unforgettable moments.Ostrick’s artwork not only commemorates a bygone era but also highlights the cyclical nature of fashion and fascination with the past. As the allure of this exquisite sunseeker transcends generations, it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of seaside elegance and the timelessness of beauty itself.
Other British Seaside Pin-up posters
In the mid to late 1950s and early 1960s there seems to have been a conscious decision by British Railways to move away from the wholesome, family images used on travel posters in the 1930s and 1940s, and move towards sexier, more glamourous images to advertise rail travel to Britain’s popular seaside resorts.
The following is a collection of vintage railway posters that once served as captivating advertisements for some of Britain’s most iconic seaside destinations. Each poster is a visual snapshot of the charm and allure that these coastal towns enhanced with the allure of a pin-up model. From the sun-soaked beaches of Rhyl to the historic maritime city of Portsmouth, these posters offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past and an invitation to explore the beauty and character of each destination. The posters feature a bevy of beauties in a genre we like to call the ‘seaside pin-ups’.
The Morecambe for First Class Holidays poster captures the essence of Morecambe, inviting travellers to experience a first-class holiday in this charming coastal town. In it we are provided with a view over Morecambe vast beach and a view of the hills and mountains of the Lake District National Park.
A tantalizing Ramsgate poster that exudes the allure of the seaside town on the Kent coast. It was created by Alan Durman and depicts a red bikini-clad figure that embodies the sun-soaked beaches and vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem, making it an irresistible destination for beach lovers, especially men.
Instead of a bikini, the young pin-up in Leonard’s Sunny Rhyl poster is wearing a bright red bathing suit, the height of fashion in the 1950s. The poster radiates the spirit of Rhyl in North Wales capturing the sun-kissed essence of Rhyl’s sandy shores and inviting families to bask in the seaside glory.
The classic Sunny Worthing “Go By Train” poster by Lance Cattermole promotes Worthing on the south coast of England. The poster doesn’t feature iconic Worthing landmarks, landscape views or fabulous beach scenes… just the unadulterated joy on the face of his wife Lydia as she soaks up the sun’s rays.
We can offer two ‘pin-up’ posters for the seaside resort of Whitley Bay. The first depicts a lithe young brunette in a green two-piece swim outfit. Holding a starfish aloft in her left hand she calls out to friends to admire her catch. The second Whitley Bay Poodle poster, features a vivacious blonde in a striking purple halter-neck swimsuit sitting with her loyal poodle. It hints at the town’s welcoming atmosphere, where families and pets can enjoy the coastal delights, making it a perfect destination for all.
The beautiful blonde pin-up waving at us in Caswell’s Join me in Sunny Rhyl poster is a cheerful invitation to experience the sunny delights of the Welsh coastal, where the sun, sea, and sand come together to create a perfect holiday destination.
A superb poster promoting Herne Bay on the Kent Coast poster showcases Herne Bay’s ralaxing charm of the Kent coast. The image of a young blonde pin-up in a white bikini sitting on a towel on the beach with the sand, sea and sky creating the background. highlights the town’s inviting shoreline and the promise of a memorable coastal getaway
Weston-Super-Mare This poster invites travellers to Weston-Super-Mare, where the Bristol Channel meets sandy beaches and the Grand Pier beckons. With its caption The Smile in Smiling Somerset this anonymous vintage seaside poster shows a striking young lady, with a beautiful smile, enjoying the sea with the Grand Pier in the background showcasing some of the highlights of a visit to coastal Somerset, a destination that offers a blend of seaside amusements and natural beauty.
