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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Charles W. Holmes was an early twentieth-century commercial illustrator who contributed to the golden age of travel advertising. Active in the 1920s, Holmes specialized in creating compelling imagery for railway and ocean liner companies, capturing the excitement of modern transportation during a period of rapid change.
His posters reflect the optimism of the interwar era, when advances in engineering and design made travel more accessible and alluring. Holmes’s work is valued by collectors for its authentic period style and its role in shaping the visual language of travel promotion.
The Artwork
This artwork was produced at a time when coordinated rail and sea journeys represented the height of convenience and sophistication. The boat train, depicted here, was a symbol of seamless travel—delivering passengers directly from city stations to the waiting ocean liners at the harbor.
Commissioned to entice travelers, the poster encapsulates the promise of adventure and efficiency that defined the era. It evokes the anticipation of departure and the allure of new destinations, reflecting the cultural fascination with speed and connectivity in the 1920s.
Style & Characteristics
The poster is a classic example of Art Deco design, featuring streamlined shapes, bold outlines, and striking typography. The composition places a powerful locomotive and a grand ocean liner side by side, emphasizing their complementary roles in modern travel.
A dominant palette of deep blue is enlivened by vivid yellow highlights and touches of red, while black and earthy tones provide structure and contrast. The overall effect is energetic and optimistic, making this piece a standout among vintage advertising posters and an evocative choice for lovers of sea and ocean wall art.
In Interior Design
This travel poster makes a striking focal point in living rooms, entryways, or offices, especially in interiors seeking a sense of movement and purpose. Its geometric clarity complements modern, mid-century, and industrial styles, and it can add a dynamic edge to coastal-inspired spaces.
Pair it with navy, sand, or warm wood accents, or echo its graphic contrasts with black metal details. For a harmonious look, combine it with other blue toned prints and frame simply to highlight its period elegance.