Mervyn Laurence
London Transport Posters

Lithograph
76 x 52 cm

This poster was produced to promote ‘London Transport Posters’, a book by Michael F. Levey, first published in 1976 by Phaidon Press. The 80-page volume delves into the rich history and artistic significance of posters commissioned by London Transport, showcasing how these artworks have both reflected and influenced public taste over the years. The book features a diverse collection of posters, highlighting the evolution of design and advertising strategies employed by London Transport. It serves as both a visual celebration of these artworks and an insightful commentary on their cultural impact.

The image featured on this poster was originally published on a 1912 London Transport poster: ‘Always Warm and Bright’, designed by Mervyn Lawrence. The original painting depicts passengers travelling in a underground car. At this time, posters had become a medium for popular commercial interpretation of contemporary avant-garde art. Here, Laurence employs the strident colour of the Fauves and alludes to Matisse’s ‘The Red Studio’, which was produced the previous year. Both paintings are windows onto full, engaging, over-furnished worlds where form is decorative and described in terms of pure colour. The artists invite you into their painting, offering you an empty underground seat, or a place at the artist’s table.

Condition: Generally very good, some handling marks and some marks on the poster itself.

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