Richmond by Underground Poster Charles I 1625-1649 – Austin Cooper – 1931
Travel Back in Time with the majestic Richmond by Underground Poster
Travel back into a bygone era of regal charm and verdant escapes with our reproduction Richmond by Underground Poster. Illustrated by the renowned poster artist Austin Cooper, this vintage gem is a vibrant window into London’s rich history and the allure of its iconic Richmond Park. This royal piece was realised by Austin Cooper, a British artist active in the first half of the 20th century. He’s best known for his vibrant and evocative travel posters, particularly those for the London General Omnibus Company. Cooper’s evocative brushstrokes bring the past to life.
Inspired by a Master’s Brush:
Cooper’s artistic genius shines through in his portrayal of the king. He takes inspiration from Anthony van Dyck’s celebrated painting “Charles I at the Hunt,” capturing the monarch’s regal bearing and confident stance. Van Dyck, a Flemish Baroque giant, was Charles’ court painter, and his influence is evident in Cooper’s meticulous lines and rich tapestry of colors.
Standing regally with a walking cane, King Charles is dressed and ready for the hunt. Cooper has dressed him in an elegantly embroidered, teal doublet with purple breeches tied at the knee and sturdy leather boots with spurs. King Charles’s sword scabbard is suspended from a baldric worn over the shoulder.
Above the head of the King, the artist, Cooper has incorporated the years of his reign (1625-1649) alongside the royal coat of arms. King Charles I of England and Scotland had a magnificent coat of arms, rich in symbolism and representing his lineage and power. The overall shield is quartered with the first and fourth quarters divided into four again. The first and fourth of these quarters is made up of three golden fleur de lys on a dark blue field. The second and third quadrants portray the Royal Arms of England and depict three golden lions set on a red field.
The second quadrant of the overall shield features the Royal Banner of Scotland, displaying a red lion rampant, with blue tongue and claws, within a red double border on a yellow background. The third quadrant features a golden harp with a winged, bare-breasted angel on an azure field, the coat of arms of Ireland.
The foot of the Richmond Park by Underground Poster gives way to the call to action Visit the Royal Deer Park established by the King 1635, Richmond Park by Underground.
These simple yet evocative words invite to explore a realm steeped in royal history, a place where majestic stags roam free amidst ancient oaks and emerald meadows. The promise of escaping the urban sprawl for a breath of fresh air and a brush with regal heritage is irresistible.
A Tale of Two Kings and a Royal Playground:
But the story of Richmond Park is not solely one of royal indulgence. In 1625, fleeing the clutches of the Great Plague, King Charles I discovered the sprawling beauty of this land. Envisioning an idyllic hunting ground close to London, he had an eight-mile wall erected and stocked the park with 2,000 deer. This, however, met with fierce opposition from the local community who had long enjoyed grazing rights and access to the land’s resources.
While Charles’ initial actions were met with anger and resistance, a compromise was eventually reached. He compensated certain landowners and granted public access for walking and firewood collection. This ensured that Richmond Park remained not just a royal playground but also a cherished green space for all Londoners.
A Legacy of Regal Enchantment and Public Enjoyment:
Today, Richmond Park stands as a testament to this fascinating interplay between royal prerogative and public Anspruch. Visitors can wander through ancient woodlands, spot herds of fallow deer grazing serenely, and retrace the steps of kings and commoners alike. The legacy of the “Richmond by Underground” poster lives on, not just as a vintage marketing tool, but as a captivating invitation to experience this timeless blend of history, nature, and royal grandeur.
A Royal Family of Austin Cooper posters
This vintage Richmond by Underground Poster was illustrated by the artist Austin Cooper. It was one in a series of travel posters produced to raise awareness of the newly created London Transport company brands. Each of the posters features a historical British monarch. One poster lures bus passengers to explore Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting-Lodge on a Chingford by General poster which features Queen Elizabeth I.
Another poster the iconic image of King Henry VIII, which entices travellers to visit the Great Hall and the King’s Wine Cellars at Hampton Court produced for the Tramways sector of London Transport. But it’s King Charles I who takes center stage on our reproduction “Richmond by Underground” poster, his noble presence beckoning travelers to a verdant sanctuary just a tube ride away.
