The Global Poster Gallery opened in October 2023 as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the London Transport Museum (LTM). The gallery is located on the first floor of the museum and covers an area of over 300 square meters. The gallery is an interactive space where visitors can learn about the history, design, and influence of transport posters on London’s culture and society.
The gallery showcases over 100 posters from the LTM collection, which consists of over 5,000 specimens. The posters are divided into four thematic sections: Travel, Art, Advertising, and Social Issues. Each section explores different aspects of transport posters, such as their purposes, styles, and the artists who encouraged people to travel around London and its surroundings using public transportation. The posters reflect the diversity of London’s landmarks, such as parks, museums, theaters, and zoos.
Travel
This section features posters that encouraged people to travel around London and its surroundings using public transportation. The posters showcase the variety of London’s landmarks, such as parks, museums, theaters, and zoos. The posters also demonstrate how transport has evolved and modernized over time, from steam trains to the underground and buses. Some of the most famous posters in this section include “See London by Bus” (1933) by Alfred Leete, “London Zoo” (1921) by Charles Paine, and “The Lure of the Underground” (1927) by Alfred France.
Art
This section features posters that showcase various artistic movements and influences, such as futurism, cubism, surrealism, and abstractionism. The posters reflect the creative freedom and experimentation of artists who used transport posters as a platform to express their ideas and emotions. The posters also reflect the interaction between art and technology, as well as between art and society. Some of the standout posters in this section include “Power – The Nerve Centre of London’s Underground” (1931) by Edward McKnight Kauffer, “The Tate Gallery by Tube” (1987) by David Booth, and “London 2020” (2012) by Mark Titchner.
Advertising
This section features posters that were used to advertise various goods and services related to transportation. The posters reflect the development of the advertising industry and its strategies, such as target audience, branding, humor, and emotional appeal. The posters also reflect the changing consumer tastes and trends throughout different eras. Some of the most interesting posters in this section include “Buy British” (1931) by Austin Cooper, “Fly the Tube to New York” (2003) by Michael Landy, and “Oyster – Always on, always there” (2009) by Martin Parr.
Social Issues
This section features posters that address various social issues related to transportation, such as safety, health, ecology, and equality. The posters reflect the role of transport in public discourse and its contribution to problem-solving. The posters also reflect the diversity of London’s population and its cultural values. Some of the most significant posters in this section include “Don’t Travel in the Rush Hour” (1947) by Leonard Cottrell, “Mind the Gap” (2002) by Mark Wallinger, and “Transport for All” (2010) by Rebecca Ripley.
The exhibition of transport posters in London is a unique opportunity to see the history, art, and influence of transport on the city and its residents. The exhibition will run until the end of 2023 and is available to all visitors of the LTM. The exhibition is also accompanied by a catalog, audio guide, and online resources. If you love London, its transport, and its posters, then this exhibition is for you.
