$40.5
$61.97
Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster railway poster Whether you’re a lifelong Bristolian or simply charmed by the city’s unique allure from visits and holidays, this vintage railway poster holds an undeniable appeal. Created in 1923 by the talented illustrator Jackson Burton, and jointly published by the esteemed Great Western Railway (GWR) and London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), its original purpose was to entice travellers to experience the wonderful city of Bristol by rail. Yet, this seemingly straightforward railway advertisement has transcended its initial function, evolving into a much-sought-after and highly collectible piece of art. The Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster captivates a varied spectrum of collectors, from railway enthusiasts to history buffs, each finding a unique connection within its vibrant imagery. Ye Llandoger Trow: Where History and Fiction Intertwine As a cherished piece of railwayana, the Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster serves as a vivid reminder of the halcyon days of steam travel, when the GWR and LMS companies dominated the British railway landscape. It evokes an era of grand journeys and adventurous exploration. However, for those with a connection to Bristol, the poster sparks a deeper recognition: it depicts one of the city’s truly iconic public houses, Ye Llandoger Trow. This old pub is a nexus of tales, a place where history and fiction seamlessly intertwine, their narratives echoing within its very walls. The Grade II listed building itself seems to whisper secrets of centuries past, each creak and groan a fragment of a forgotten story. This famous Bristol landmark is widely believed to be the very place where Daniel Defoe encountered Alexander Selkirk. Selkirk, a Scottish privateer and Royal Navy officer, endured an extraordinary four years as a castaway, an astonishing survival story that provided the direct, raw inspiration for Defoe’s globally renowned novel, Robinson Crusoe, penned in 1719. As if that wasn’t enough to secure the pub’s place in history, in 1881, and perhaps as a respectful nod to Defoe’s earlier connection, Robert Louis Stevenson himself used the inn as one of the notorious haunts of the character, Long John Silver, in his universally beloved classic, Treasure Island. This connection solidifies the “Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver” moniker, giving the poster an even deeper layer of narrative. The Poignant Legacy of the Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster The pub, a venerable establishment nestled on King Street, was rightfully designated a Grade II listed building in 1959, acknowledging its immense architectural and historical significance. Tragically, even its listed status couldn’t save the building from the relentless march of time and economic pressures. In 2019, Whitbread made the difficult decision to close Ye Llandoger Trow, citing essential repairs estimated to exceed a staggering £2 million. This unfortunate closure underscores the irreplaceable value of historical records like the 1923 Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster. The Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster is an invaluable historical document, capturing Ye Llandoger Trow in its original, majestic glory. It proudly showcases its distinctive five gable ends – a defining architectural feature that gave the inn its unique character. This makes the vintage Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster even more poignant, offering a rare glimpse into a time before World War II’s devastation partially destroyed the inn, reducing its iconic profile to just three gables. The Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster not only serves as a visual record but also stirs the imagination, transporting us to the bustling Bristol docks of yesteryear. It conjures images of sailors and merchants, adventurers and storytellers, all passing through the doors of Ye Llandoger Trow. For any collector of railway art, any admirer of Bristol’s unique history, or indeed, anyone who appreciates a story well told, the Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster is a true treasure. It’s more than just paper and ink; it’s a piece of Bristol’s enduring soul, captured for posterity. Owning a reproduction of this magnificent Bristol Haunt of Long John Silver poster allows you to bring a piece of this captivating history into your home, a constant reminder of Bristol’s profound past and its legendary connections.
United Kingdom
