New York Pennsylvania Railroad poster – New York Brooklyn Bridge poster print – John Collins c1930
This fabulous New York Pennsylvania Railroad poster offers a stunning evening time view across the East River to the Financial District of Manhattan. The sun is almost set, the nighttime sky is getting darker and the art deco skyscrapers have become silhouetted against the fading light. White lights are beginning to appear out of the windows in the dark buildings. The piers on the opposite bank are as quiet aas the waterway itself. The East River Bridge hangs high up in the air suspended by its cables. It looks like it hovers above the water. The image really does look like a film set. It’s easy to see why this 1930s skyline was such an inspiration for Batman’s Gotham City and Frank Litz’s set for the Metropolis film.
There is no signature on the painting but the image is often is often attributed to the American artist John Collins who was working at the Al Paul Lefton Company, an advertising agency founded in 1926. The artist offers us a spectacular view from the lawns of the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park on the Brooklyn side of the East River. Overhead, he Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. In the space between the bridge and the cool running waters of the East River is a stupendous view of the New York skyline in the mid to late 1930s. From his vantage point, Collins has captured many of New York’s earliest skyscrapers in the Financial District that now form part of New York City’s designated landmark buildings and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Skyscrapers had only been open a few years before this poster was printed.
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most iconic symbols. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable suspension bridges in the United States. Its construction, spanning the East River to connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, was a monumental engineering feat and a testament to human ingenuity.
The idea for a bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn was conceived in the mid-19th century due to the growing population and commerce in both boroughs. After a competition to design the bridge’s plans, John A. Roebling, a German-born American engineer, was chosen to lead the project. Tragically, Roebling died in a construction-related accident in 1869, and his son, Washington Roebling, took over the project despite suffering from decompression sickness. Construction of the bridge began in 1870. The innovative use of caissons, large watertight structures that allowed workers to dig underwater foundations, made it possible to build the bridge’s two massive towers. The bridge’s main span, measuring 1,595 feet, was supported by steel cables, and the entire structure was adorned with neo-Gothic architectural elements.
After years of hard work, the Brooklyn Bridge was finally completed in 1883. On May 24 of that year, the bridge was officially opened to the public. Thousands of people gathered to witness the grand inauguration, marking the beginning of a new era in transportation between Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time of its completion, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge quickly became a vital artery for the city, facilitating the movement of people and goods between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It played a significant role in the economic development of both boroughs and contributed to the growth of New York City as a major metropolis.
In the years following its completion, the Brooklyn Bridge continued to be a symbol of engineering excellence and architectural beauty. The bridge’s iconic status was further cemented by the early 20th century, with its image appearing in various forms of art, literature, film and popular culture. By 1940, the Brooklyn Bridge had become an enduring symbol of New York City’s progress and modernity. It stood as a testament to the vision and determination of the people who built it, representing the spirit of innovation that characterized the Gilded Age and the early 20th century in America.
New York’s skyline isn’t short of iconic structures either. Unfortunately, the artist was unable to include the Empire State Building in the picture but he has managed to include five of the era’s tallest skyscrapers. These include:
The Chrysler Building, located at 405 Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, is renowned for its distinctive Art Deco architecture. Completed in 1930, it stands at 1,046 feet and held the title of the world’s tallest building for a brief period before being surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building features a stainless steel crown with a sunburst motif, making it one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world. It remains an iconic symbol of New York City’s skyline.
70 Pine Street, completed in 1932, is a historic skyscraper located in the Financial District of Manhattan. Standing at 952 feet, it was once among the tallest buildings in the world. The building served as the headquarters for the Cities Service Company (later renamed CITGO) and was an important landmark in the New York City skyline. Its architectural style combines elements of Art Deco and Gothic Revival, showcasing the design aesthetics of the early 20th century. Over the years, the building underwent various renovations and repurposing efforts, adapting to the changing needs of the city.
The National City Bank of New York, located at 20 Exchange Place, was a prominent skyscraper in the Financial District of Manhattan. Completed in 1931, during the peak of the Art Deco era, the building stood as a symbol of modernity and financial prowess. Rising 57 stories high, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time of its completion. The design, characterized by intricate Art Deco ornamentation, showcased the architectural trends of its time. Over the years, the building underwent various changes in ownership and usage, reflecting the evolving economic landscape of New York City.
Originally known as the Manhattan Company Building and later rebranded as Trump Tower, this iconic structure stands tall at 40 Wall Street. Completed in 1930, it was briefly the tallest building in the world before being surpassed by the Chrysler Building later the same year. The building’s architectural style is reminiscent of the Beaux-Arts tradition, with ornate details adorning its exterior. In the 1980s, Donald Trump acquired the building, redeveloping it into a mixed-use space, including commercial offices and luxury condominiums, and renaming it Trump Tower.
The Woolworth Building, completed in 1913, is a neo-Gothic skyscraper located at 233 Broadway in Manhattan. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world, soaring to 792 feet. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the building’s design was influenced by Gothic cathedrals and featured intricate terra-cotta ornamentation. It was commissioned by Frank Woolworth, the founder of the Woolworth retail stores, and served as the company’s headquarters. The building’s impressive architecture and historical significance have made it a New York City landmark.
How much is an original 1930s John Collins New York Pennsylvania Railroad poster worth?
Two different versions of this New York Pennsylvania Railroad poster are known to exist. The text on this version simply reads “New York” with the ‘Pennsylvania Railroad’ named at the foot. A second version exists that reads “New York … Always Exciting! Go By Pennsylvania Railroad. Whilst we can’t pin down a price for the version on this listing, we do know that an original copy of the second version sold in 2021 where it realised $5,000 at auction.
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