Paris á Londres via Calais Boulogne 1895 poster
This reproduction print of a vintage French travel poster is a delightful piece of artwork that would make a charming addition to any home. It was created in 1895 by an unknown artist for the French Railway company, Chemins de Fer du Nord.
The late 19th century was a period of great prosperity in both Victorian England and France’s beautiful era, la Belle Epoque. New technologies and industries were booming, and the arts were flourishing. It was a time of great optimism. People were enjoying a newfound sense of freedom and prosperity, and they were eager to explore the world around them. The trains of the time were luxurious and comfortable, and they allowed people to see more of the Continent than ever before.
The Chemins de Fer du Nord, (the French Northern Railway), was keen to capitalise on the ever-growing interest in travel and tourism. Railway companies would regularly commission some of the best artists of the time create railway posters. Posters that would highlight their railway services and the exciting destinations travellers could now visit with ease.
The Paris á Londres Household Cavalry poster
The Paris á Londres poster 1895 featured on this listing advertises the opportunity for tourists and holidaymakers to visit Britain. It features an eye-catching illustration of a dashing Officer from the British Army regiment of the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry. The stoic looking soldier is portrayed in his full dress uniform worn in the presence of members of the Royal family and the Lord Mayor of London and at Ceremonial occasions.
The Life Guards dress uniform consists of a scarlet tunic with single spaced buttons, a bearskin cap with a white plume worn on the left hand side. In the painting the Guard is depicted wearing black buck-skin breeches with black jackboots and carrying the cuirass in his right hand. The magnificently moustachioed gentleman is also shown wearing a stiff, upper lip that the British were noted for. It was every bit a part of the uniform as the sword. The commanding officer is mounted proudly on his trusty grey steed.
Behind the horse and its rider is a view of the Upper Ward and Round Tower at Windsor Castle.It is surrounded by the trees and fauna from the Long Walk. The magnifiscent 11th century castle has been a royal residence for successive royal family’s since it was built. It was the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II from 2011 to 2022.
Chemin de Fer du Nord Paris to London
The poster advertises Chemin de Fer du Nord’s rail service between Gare du Nord in Paris, via Calais or Boulogne to Folkestone and on to London’s Victoria Station.At the top of the poster in a scarlet red to match the officer’s tunic is the name ‘Chemin de Fer du Nord’, the railway company that offers the service and produced the poster. Hand-drawn lettering denotes to two destinations “Paris a Londres. The text is painted blue and has been created in a ‘wave’ possibly to reflect the English Channel crossing aspect of the journey. The text to the left hand side of the soldier reads ‘via Calais and Boulogne. The bottom right section of the poster reads, ‘Services Rapides dans Trajet Total en 7 heures’, which explains that ‘The service is fast with the total trip completed in 7 hours. Below the small text reads Paris a Londres, Londres a Paris. This was printed onto the original posters which became a stock item. Some surviving copies include a panel containing journey dates, times and prices that have been overprinted in this area. To the horses left written in French are the words ‘Traversé maritime en 60 minutes’ Stating that the steamer crossing take just an hour.
Chemins de Fer du Nord to London
The trips between England and France’s capital cities, London and Paris were fulfilled by “Special Express Trains and Steamers”. The company catered for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class customers and offered five morning and evening sailings each day.
From France the journey would begin at Paris’s Gare du Nord railway station. At Calais passengers would transfer from the train and board one of the railway’s Steamships for the crossing of the English Channel. On arrival at Dover, passengers would disembark the steamer and board the train to Charing Cross railway station. Those clever amrketing guys were around in 1895. The poster claims a total journey time of just 7 hours. A South East Railway advert in Bradhaw’s 1887 travel guide provides sailing times. And out of the six sailings each day, only meets this schedule. Probably because of tides etc, the other five sailings take between 9 and 10 hours to complete.
How much will an original Paris á Londres poster 1895 set me back?
Well, rather surprisingly, original copies of this 1895 Paris à Londres poster for the Chemins de Fer du Nord isn’t as rare as you might think. At the time of listing (2021), two copies were available to buy. Neither were in A+ condition but they up for sale for under £1,000. Still a lot of money yes! But the £200-£1,000 price range for original vintage posters is generally considered the starting price range for poster collecting.
Of course, if you can find an original copy and can afford to buy it, you’re on to a winner. There’s nothing like owning an original vintage poster and they often make a great investment. Chances are in just a few years you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for it. Unfortunately, for most of us, an investment, even at the entry-level prices of the collectible poster isn’t even close to being a possibility.
This is where our stunning high-quality reproductions come into their own. Our reproduction posters offer an authentic vintage look, cost a fraction of an original, and look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your wall.
For those interested in history, this poster provides a glimpse into rail travel and transportation at the turn of the century. For those with a military interest the poster offers a great example of military dress, pageantry and uniforms. Even more so, if you know someone connected to the Household Cavalry. It’s also a great reminder of that special time you had in Windsor itself. No matter what your interest, this poster is sure to hold some appeal and will be sure to add a touch of right Royal elegance to your home décor.
