Origins in the 19th Century

Travel posters first emerged in the late 19th century, when expanding railways and steamships made distant destinations accessible to more people than ever before. Railway companies and ocean liners commissioned vibrant, artistic posters to entice travellers to scenic countryside retreats, coastal resorts, and exotic ports.

One of the pioneers of this art form was Léon Constant‑Duval, a renowned French travel poster artist, whose 1920 design for Mont Saint‑Michel captured the serene beauty of France. His elegant landscapes and architectural depictions encouraged travellers to explore France by rail, transforming each journey into an experience of style, sophistication, and imagination.

The Golden Age of Travel Posters: 1920s–1930s

The 1920s and 1930s marked the golden age of travel posters, defined by the glamour of Art Deco design. Many of these works—preserved by galleries like Orson & Welles—combined artistic innovation with promotional power.

Famous artists like Cassandre created iconic works such as the Italia 1935 Italian Sports Ski Poster, celebrating the thrill of Alpine resorts, while Jean Carlu’s Air France Europe 1959 Poster highlighted the cultural charm and diversity of European travel.

Whether showing elegant trains winding through mountains or ships gliding across sunlit seas, these posters invited viewers to imagine themselves on a romantic journey across Europe.

The Jet Age: 1950s–1960s

The 1950s and 1960s—the Jet Age—ushered in the excitement of air travel, while the allure of railways and ocean liners continued to thrive. David Klein, an acclaimed American travel poster artist, became a defining figure with his colourful designs for Trans World Airlines (TWA), including Fly TWA Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, and Egypt.

Klein’s vibrant, modernist style captured the glamour, speed, and adventure of international air travel. Other celebrated artists such as Stan Galli (New York United Air Lines) and Bernard Thonus (Sainte Maxime Côte d’Azur) reflected mid‑century modern design while promoting leisure, culture, and wanderlust.

Modern Legacy: Travel Posters as Timeless Art

By the 1970s, photography and realism began to shape travel advertising, yet the classic poster remained a powerful visual tool. What began as simple destination announcements evolved into carefully crafted tourism campaigns for rail lines, airlines, and cruise companies.

Today, vintage travel posters by Constant‑Duval, Klein, and other masters are highly collectible artworks. Collections curated by Orson & Welles showcase how these pieces continue to inspire modern travellers and designers. More than advertisements, travel posters represent a legacy of art, imagination, and the human desire to explore the world in style.

Browse Orson & Welles' finely curated collection of vintage Travel Posters.