Cornwall Polperro vintage railway poster – Gyrth Russell – 1953

Cornwall Polperro vintage railway poster – Gyrth Russell – 1953 This vintage Cornwall Polperro vintage railway poster was produced by the Welsh painter Gyrth Russell in 1949 for British Railways (Western Region). It features a stunning illustration of the ancient village of Polperro in South Cornwall. The poster formed part of British Railways ongoing “See Britain by Train” campaign, and offers a captivating glimpse of Polperro harbor and showcases the picturesque beauty of this coastal village. In this artistic creation, the viewer is transported to the tranquil harbor of Polperro. The central focus of the poster is the scenic view over the village, where charming buildings with whitewashed walls and traditional slate roofs line the shoreline. These cottages exude a timeless, coastal charm, their facades punctuated with colorful flowers that add vibrancy to the scene. The foreground of the image captures the essence of Polperro’s maritime splendor. Boats, both small rowboats and larger vessels, are moored along the rocks and by the harbor wall. Their vivid colors and the play of light on the water infuse the scene with a sense of life and activity. Beyond the harbor, the sea stretches out towards a backdrop of lush, green cliffs that adorn the coast. The waters of the English Channel glisten in the sunlight, creating a sense of serenity. The cliffs, a hallmark of Cornwall’s rugged coastline, encircle the village like protective arms, framing it in a picturesque embrace. It’s worth noting that, like many vintage travel posters, Gyrth Russell’s artwork is not an entirely accurate portrayal of a single location but rather a composite image that combines features from various sites in the area. This artistic liberty is often taken to create an idealized and visually appealing representation of the destination. The poster was published by the Railway Executive (Western Region) and printed in Great Britain by Jordison and Co., with offices in London and Middlesbrough. Polperro Harbour The harbour at Polperro has changed little over the centuries. As early as the 13th century Polperro was a recognised fishing settlement and its first known record is in a Royal document of 1303. As this vintage Cornwall travel poster shows, the Cornish village still retained its timeless, picturesque charm while serving as a living testament to its centuries-old maritime history. Polperro’s harbor has a rich and storied past dating back centuries. It was once a thriving fishing port and a center for smuggling activities during the 18th century. Its sheltered location along the southern coast of Cornwall made it an ideal hideaway for smugglers who brought contraband goods ashore. The narrow, winding streets of the village provided perfect cover for evading customs officials. By the 1950s, Polperro had moved beyond its smuggling days and was primarily known for its fishing industry and was gaining a reputation as a popular tourist destination. The harbor is nestled within a dramatic natural amphitheater, surrounded by steep cliffs that provided both protection from the elements and a stunning backdrop. It was a relatively small but bustling harbor, with traditional stone quaysides that extended into the deep blue waters of the English Channel.  The harbor is always dotted with colorful fishing boats, each with its own character and charm. These vessels, often painted in vibrant colors, ranged from small rowboats to larger trawlers. The fishermen of Polperro relied on these boats to make their livelihood, casting their nets into the abundant waters of the Channel. The boats were moored side by side, creating a vibrant and picturesque scene. In the 1950s fishermen could be seen going about their tasks. They meticulously prepared their boats, repaired nets, and organising their gear for the next fishing expedition. The camaraderie among the fishermen was palpable, as they exchanged stories and advice while waiting for favorable tides and weather conditions. For centuries the village has been a pilchard fishing and processing port. As the shoals of fish diminished in the 20th century, pilchard fishing died out as Polperro’s mainstay in the 1960s. Along the quayside, a stone wall provided a vantage point for both residents and visitors to observe the bustling activities in the harbor. This wall was not just a physical barrier but a communal gathering place where people gathered to chat, watch the boats, and soak in the atmosphere. The harbor at Polperro in the 1950s was a place where tradition met modernity. It honored its historical roots as a fishing village while adapting to the changing times. It remained a living testament to Polperro’s enduring maritime spirit and its ability to seamlessly blend its rich history with the evolving needs of the community. Cornwall was a railway destination that featured heavily in both Great Western Railways and British Railways poster output and many famous and less-well-known artists have created posters to get tourists to make the journey there by train. Artists such as FJ Widgery, Jack Merriot, Arthur Wilcox, Alker Tripp, and Leonard Cusden to name but a few. How much is an original Gyrth Russell Polperro poster worth? Posters featuring iconic and well-loved destinations like Polperro in Cornwall are often highly sought after. People often have a strong emotional connection to these places, making posters that depict them especially desirable. In excellent condition, original 1950s litho copies of Gyrth Russell’s Polperro Harbour poster can command thousands of pounds. One ungraded copy came up for sale in 2022 with a Good condition description. The poster declared restored folds, tears, pinholes, and paper loss. It still achieved a sale price of over £3,000. There’s no denying the allure of owning an original vintage poster, and if you can find an original Polperro poster and can afford to buy it, you’re on to a good thing. There’s nothing like owning an original vintage poster and they often make a great investment. Chances are in just a few years you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid for it. Unfortunately, for most of us, an investment, even at the entry-level prices of the collectible poster isn’t even close to being a possibility. This is where our stunning high-quality reproductions come into their own. They cost a fraction of an original and look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your living room wall. This one looks simply stunning. It’s a great way to add some vintage Cornish flair to your living room or kitchen. It’d also make a great feature piece in a bed and breakfast or Airbnb. Order your print today.