Underground to Wood Lane poster – Underground railway poster – Frederick Herrick – 1920

Underground to Wood Lane poster – Underground railway poster – Frederick Herrick – 1920 A Journey Through Time: The Underground to Wood Lane Poster The captivating Underground to Wood Lane poster, originally titled “Underground to Wood Lane: International Advertising Exhibition at the White City, Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, 1920,” is a remarkable piece of history. Commissioned by the Underground Electric Railway Company, this vintage masterpiece was the work of the talented Frederick Herrick. Its purpose was to inspire travel via the Underground, guiding commuters to the Wood Lane tube station for a major advertising exhibition at the iconic White City. The poster also had a second, clever motive: to remind advertisers of the promotional wall space available at stations, letting them know they would be in excellent company with many of the era’s biggest brands. The Genius of Frederick Herrick’s Design Herrick’s artistic prowess and visionary talent are on full display in this vibrant piece of commercial art. The poster’s visuals perfectly capture the bustling 1920s advertising landscape. Upon its canvas, the tube station hoardings come alive with a colourful kaleidoscope of promotional posters. Viewers can spot advertisements for well-known companies like Buchanan’s, Lipton’s Tea, and the beauty brands Poudre and Creme de Luzy, as well as announcements for prestigious venues such as the Prince’s, Empire, and Queen’s Theatres. This dynamic composition acts as a visual feast, inviting viewers on a journey through the corridors of commerce and culture, all facilitated by the Underground to Wood Lane route. The true genius of the poster lies in the bustling platform scene. Herrick brings together a collection of iconic figures from the world of advertising, creating an arresting tableau that speaks volumes about the marketing landscape of the era. Look closely and you’ll see the alluring Kodak Girl, the robust Michelin Man (Bibendum), and the sophisticated Johnnie Walker. Other celebrated characters clamour for attention: the endearing Bisto Kids, the mischievous Rowntrees Coca Nibs Kids, the indomitable VIM, and the sagacious Youngers’ Father William, among others. These iconic figures form a lively mosaic that reflects the vivacity of the burgeoning consumer culture, making the Underground to Wood Lane poster a true time capsule. A Station’s Legacy Amid this visual symphony, Wood Lane Underground Station emerges as a pivotal hub of connectivity. Located in west London, the station, which had several names over the years, played a vital role in facilitating travel. When Herrick’s poster was created, it was known as Wood Lane (White City) station, primarily serving patrons of the White City Stadium, an arena famous for greyhound racing. The station’s name later evolved to “White City” in 1947, before tragically closing in 1959 after a fire. The story doesn’t end there. In a compelling tale of urban revival, a new station was built on the Hammersmith & City line in 2008. It was the first new station on an existing Tube line in over 70 years. The name “Wood Lane” was resurrected for this architectural marvel, a fitting tribute to the station that played an important part in London’s history. The vintage Underground to Wood Lane poster, therefore, immortalises not only an advertising exhibition but also the legacy of a vital transport link.