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Cornwall Bude vintage travel poster – AR Baker – c1930 This captivating vintage travel poster, masterfully illustrated by AR Baker, transports us to the serene coastal haven of Bude, nestled in the northeastern corner of Cornwall. As the northernmost of Cornwall’s charming seaside towns, Bude boasts a distinctive allure, graced by its pristine beaches nestled within sheltered bays. The town’s connection to the railway, dating back to around 1898, marked a significant turning point in its history. The railway line, initially constructed by the London and South Western Railway, became an integral part of the Southern Railway network in 1923. This transportation link played a pivotal role in opening up Bude to a wider audience of travelers and holiday seekers. AR Baker’s artistic talent was enlisted in the 1930s to craft this vintage railway poster, a testament to the golden age of travel and advertising. The poster served as a powerful visual invitation, beckoning adventurers to explore Bude’s unique charms and pristine coastal landscapes. During this era, Southern Railways recognized Bude as one of its premier holiday destinations, and Baker’s artwork was a key tool in promoting rail travel to this idyllic town. In this exquisite artwork, Baker skillfully captures the essence of Bude. The poster portrays the town’s sun-drenched beaches, where the golden sands meet the gentle embrace of the Atlantic Ocean. It evokes a sense of tranquility and relaxation, painting Bude as the perfect destination for those seeking respite and natural beauty. The poster, created for Southern Railway sometime in the 1930s reads: For Sunshine and Surfing. The text continues beneath the captivating image explaining Corridor Restaurant Car Expresses from London (Waterloo) Cheap Fares, and that a Guide from Clerk to the Urban District Council, Bude, Cornwall. Other Cornwall railway posters Cornwall, with its stunning coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and lush countryside, has long been a beloved destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Vintage railway posters, created during the golden age of travel, provide a nostalgic glimpse into Cornwall’s allure and the role of the railways in promoting this captivating region. The early 20th century was the golden age of travel when railways were at the forefront of transportation. To entice travelers to explore the scenic delights of Cornwall, railway companies commissioned talented artists to create eye-catching posters that would promote the region’s unique charm. Many vintage railway posters celebrated Cornwall’s breathtaking coastline. These posters featured dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, inviting travelers to experience the thrill of the Cornish sea. Artists skillfully captured the essence of Cornwall’s maritime heritage, iconic landmarks and outstanding scenery. Cornwall’s quaint villages and historic towns also made frequent appearances in vintage railway posters. Picturesque locales like St. Ives, Polperro, and Padstow were depicted with colorful details, showcasing their charming streets, thatched cottages, and bustling harbors. These posters not only highlighted Cornwall’s beauty but also encouraged travelers to explore its hidden gems. The railway journey itself was often romanticized in these posters. Picturesque trains winding through lush landscapes, crossing viaducts, and traveling alongside serene rivers were portrayed as part of the adventure. Travelers were encouraged to explore Cornwall not just as a destination but as a scenic journey. Today, vintage railway posters promoting Cornwall serve as a valuable window into the past. These posters are not only nostalgic but also collectible, with enthusiasts around the world seeking them as treasures of a bygone era. They remind us of a time when travel was an art form, and destinations like Cornwall were unveiled through the talents of artists. Here are a few stunning examples. Travelling to Cornwall in the 1920s was a glamorous and luxurious experience. The Cornish Riviera Express was considered one of the most prestigious rail journeys in England. Our first GWR poster depicts that journey. It was created by Charles Mayo in 1939 and offers a superb rendering of the King George VI locomotive hauling holiday carriages bound for the West Country. The train was renowned for its elegance, featuring luxurious carriages with polished wood interiors, plush seating, and large windows that allowed passengers to enjoy the scenic views. A splendid Cornwall railway poster from 1937, crafted by Leonard Cusden, captures the serene beauty of Newquay, one of the nation’s beloved seaside destinations. The picturesque artwork features two children joyfully exploring a rock pool beneath towering cliffs. The poster also provides insight into the affordability of the London-to-Cornwall journey, hinting at the cost of monthly return tickets, which were available at an incredibly economical rate of a ‘Penny a Mile.’ Presumably, by the time Alker Tripp’s Cornwall poster featuring Kynance Cove was published just a year later, the prices had risen because the Penny a Mile statement had gone. Kynance Cove with its white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a breathtaking sight. Its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations have long attracted photographers and artists. In fact, it is widely considered the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall. Cornwall was a railway destination that featured heavily in both Great Western Railways and British Railway’s poster output and many famous and less well-known artists have created posters to get tourists to make the journey there by train. Posters include the 1953 British Railways poster by Gyrth Russell, that depicts the harbour at Polperro. The 1940s poster by Jack Merriot, that portrays the scene at Penzance Harbour. A personal favorite is the 1960 poster by Arthur Wilcox, that offers a beautiful beach scene at Cornwall’s Sennon Cove. We currently list around thirty Cornwall reproduction posters on our website and we are adding new ones all the time. There’s bound to be one that captures the essence of Cornwall for you
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