Canterbury by Southern Railway poster – Charles Shep Shepard – 1938

Canterbury by Southern Railway poster – Charles Shep Shepard – 1938 Canterbury, nestled amidst the picturesque River Stour, with its charming narrow streets and a rich tapestry of historic buildings, has captivated travellers for centuries. In the 1930s, this enchanting city, the spiritual heart of the Church of England for almost five centuries, boasted a legacy waiting to be explored. In 1938, the Southern Railway commissioned this captivating Canterbury by Southern Railway poster to entice rail passengers to embark on a delightful train journey to this cathedral city. This vintage gem, a testament to the golden age of travel posters, was the work of the renowned British artist Charles “Shep” Shepard. Shepard, a master illustrator who honed his craft under the tutelage of the esteemed Woodroffe, rose to prominence as the head of the Baynard Press studio. His artistic brilliance garnered the attention of prestigious clientele across the transportation industry. From the iconic Cunard Line to prominent railway companies like Southern Railway, LNER, and British Rail, Shepard’s artwork graced a wide array of travel and transport materials. Even prominent shipping lines like Union Castle Line and the Royal Mail Packet Steamship Company entrusted their artistic needs to his exceptional talent. More of his poster artworks can be found here. A Glimpse into Canterbury’s Enchantment Shepard’s “Canterbury by Southern Railway poster” transports us to the heart of this captivating city. We find ourselves standing on the King’s Mile, a collection of charming streets nestled beneath the awe-inspiring spires of Canterbury Cathedral. The poster’s vantage point offers a breathtaking vista, with the magnificent architecture of the cathedral and its iconic Bell Harry Tower dominating the skyline. Founded in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral holds the distinction of being England’s oldest. Over the centuries, it has undergone meticulous renovations and additions, resulting in a captivating blend of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Perpendicular Gothic. Visitors are perpetually awestruck by its magnificent stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and soaring ceilings. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Canterbury Cathedral holds immense religious significance. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England, and a symbolic figure for the Anglican Communion. Bell Harry Tower: A Canterbury Landmark The Canterbury by Southern Railway poster prominently features Bell Harry Tower, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture completed in the late 15th century. This iconic landmark stands tall at 235 feet, its silhouette instantly recognisable against the Canterbury sky. The name “Bell Harry” has a curious origin. It stems from a bell named after Prior Henry of Eastry, which originally hung on the roof of an earlier tower. Even though the current bell is a recast version from 1635, the name “Bell Harry” has endured the test of time. While access to the tower is generally restricted, its captivating presence remains a defining feature of the Canterbury skyline. A Seamless Journey with Southern Railway In the 1930s, Southern Railway offered a convenient and comfortable travel experience to Canterbury. Passengers could choose from express trains, stopping trains, and excursion trains, all departing from London and other parts of southeast England. Express trains were the speediest option, whisking passengers from London to Canterbury in just over an hour. Stopping trains provided a more affordable option but with additional stops along the way. Excursion trains, particularly popular with day-trippers, operated on weekends and holidays. Owning a Piece of History Original travel posters like the 1938 Canterbury by Southern Railway poster can be rare and expensive finds. However, we offer high-quality reproduction posters that capture the essence of the originals, with vibrant colors the same stunning details, and classic fonts. With almost one million visitors streaming through Canterbury Cathedral’s doors each year, these posters are a wonderful way to keep the spirit of Canterbury alive in homes and hearts around the world. These beautiful reproductions are perfect for Cantabrians to show their hometown pride! Even if you’ve moved away, these posters can be a lasting reminder of your Canterbury days. Relive the memories and keep a piece of home close by. Maybe you’ve enjoyed a fantastic day trip to the Cathedral or treasured a longer family holiday in the Cathedral City, our posters are an ideal souvenir. Savor a little bit of Canterbury’s extraordinary magic at home. Order your reproduction Canterbury by Southern Railway poster print today.