The Royal Mail Line to New York
Poster
1920-1925 (printed)
1920-1925 (printed)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This poster was designed by Horace Taylor in about 1920 to 1925, and it was included in the V&A's Art Deco exhibition in 2003. It is very much in the Art Deco style, both in its content and visual appearance; the urban modernity of the subject matter is combined with the simple, bold lines of the image. The stylised skyscrapers and the starry sky evoke the stars and the stripes of the American flag. The Art Deco style gained popularity in America as European designers moved there and American designers visited Europe. The skyscraper was a popular motif in Art Deco design, as it represented the new progressive age with its machinery and possibilities. It appeared in textiles, tableware and furniture, and as a backdrop in Hollywood films. According to one leading émigré designer, the Austrian-born Paul Frankl, 'the skyscraper was a more vital contribution to the field of modern art than all the things done in Europe put together'.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | The Royal Mail Line to New York (assigned by artist) |
Materials and techniques | Colour lithograph |
Brief description | A print poster showing a New York skyline, Horace Taylor, British, 1920-1925 |
Physical description | A poster showing red and white stylised skyscrapers against a blue sky with stars. Text on the bottom half of the image. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Marks and inscriptions | 'The Royal Mail Line to New York Make your next crossing by the comfort route The Royal Mail Steam packet co. Atlantic House Moorgate EC2' |
Credit line | Given by Sanders Phillips & Co., Ltd |
Subjects depicted | |
Places depicted | |
Summary | This poster was designed by Horace Taylor in about 1920 to 1925, and it was included in the V&A's Art Deco exhibition in 2003. It is very much in the Art Deco style, both in its content and visual appearance; the urban modernity of the subject matter is combined with the simple, bold lines of the image. The stylised skyscrapers and the starry sky evoke the stars and the stripes of the American flag. The Art Deco style gained popularity in America as European designers moved there and American designers visited Europe. The skyscraper was a popular motif in Art Deco design, as it represented the new progressive age with its machinery and possibilities. It appeared in textiles, tableware and furniture, and as a backdrop in Hollywood films. According to one leading émigré designer, the Austrian-born Paul Frankl, 'the skyscraper was a more vital contribution to the field of modern art than all the things done in Europe put together'. |
Bibliographic reference | Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1925, London: Board of Education, 1926. |
Collection | |
Accession number | E.516-1925 |
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Record created | January 27, 2004 |
Record URL |
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