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A. E. Halliwell
Buy From Our Own Empire the Best Market, 1930 art deco design by A. E. Halliwell

c.1930

$4,805.37
£3,450
€4,079.72
CA$6,541.31
A$7,331.96
CHF 3,817.54
MX$89,526.41
NOK 48,468.87
SEK 45,944.13
DKK 30,439.12
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About the Item

A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Buy From Our Own Empire the Best Market (in black) Gouache 19 x 76 cm c.1930 Design for Empire Marketing Board Provenance: From the family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, illustrator, and designer best known for his vibrant poster designs created for British railway companies during the mid-20th century. Born in Southport, Halliwell developed a strong foundation in art and design early in life. He studied at the Southport School of Art from 1923 to 1926 before graduating to the Royal College of Art in London and subsequently practising as a professional designer from the 1930s. Following his studies, Halliwell married Doris Doyle in Strood Kent, and  went on to have a significant teaching career himself, most notably as a lecturer at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (later part of Central Saint Martins), where he influenced a new generation of designers and illustrators.  Halliwell is perhaps best remembered for his vibrant and engaging poster designs created for British railway companies during the 1930s. His work was characterised by a bright, graphic style that balanced charm with clarity, often depicting idealised scenes of British holiday destinations—from sunny seaside towns to tranquil countryside vistas. Beyond posters, his artistic output included book illustration, commercial design, and stage costume sketches, showcasing his versatility across mediums. His posters continue to remain enduring symbols of a golden age of British travel and design and are displayed in major collections including the London Transport Museum and the V & A. This bold poster design by A. E. Halliwell uses vibrant blue and black layered text to promote trade within the British Empire. Featuring variations of the Union Jack across all four panels, the design reinforces imperial unity with the slogan “Buy from our own Empire – the best market.” Halliwell designed this poster for the Empire Marketing Board and adheres to the standard poster arrangement of three landscape posters enclosing two portrait posters. The Board was formed in May 1926 by the Colonial Secretary Leo Amery to promote intra-Empire trade and to persuade consumers to 'Buy Empire.' It was eventually dissolved in 1933 as a system of imperial preference replaced free trade.
  • Creator:
    A. E. Halliwell (1905 - 1987)
  • Creation Year:
    c.1930
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.49 in (19 cm)Width: 29.93 in (76 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Generally very good.
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU795316264682

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