Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

A. E. Halliwell
Don't be Drowned, Travel Underground - 1927 art deco Underground poster design

1927

$1,424.98
£1,035
€1,219.07
CA$1,952.16
A$2,166.08
CHF 1,134.64
MX$26,562
NOK 14,432.25
SEK 13,623.42
DKK 9,091.40
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Don't be drowned, travel underground Gouache 11 x 6 cm 1927 Signed, dated and inscribed 'Poster design 12.5" x 20" executed 1927' Provenance: 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 poster design cleverly contrasts the perils of winter travel on icy streets with the safety and reliability of the London Underground. Halliwell's use of sharp angles and limited colour palette heightens the emotional impact, making the message both memorable and visually compelling. It is a fine example of early 20th-century transport poster art that blends public service messaging with striking modernist aesthetics. As Halliwell signals beneath this design, the poster was executed and featured around the London Underground system throughout the 1930s.
  • Creator:
    A. E. Halliwell (1905 - 1987)
  • Creation Year:
    1927
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 2.37 in (6 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Generally very good.
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU795316133732

More From This Seller

View All
Design for Underground Poster, 1927 art deco design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Design for Underground Poster Gouache 15 x 12 cm 1927 Signed, dated and inscribed "Design for Underground Poster, executed 30" x 20", A. E. Halliwell '27...
Category

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Underground to Escape the Fog , 1927 art deco poster design
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Underground to Escape the Fog Gouache 19 x 13 cm c.1930 Signed to the bottom right and inscribed 'Design for a Poster, Carried out 12" x 20".' Provenance:...
Category

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Take the Underground to the RA , c.1930 design in the manner of A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
In the manner of A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Take the Underground to the RA Gouache c.1930 23 x 30 cm Provenance: Family of A. E. Halliwell A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a Britis...
Category

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

The Jewel that is London, 1930s art deco poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) The Jewel that is London Airbrush and gouache 26 x 33 cm c.1930 Signed to reverse Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a Brit...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

London Underground Theatres and Cinemas 1930s Mac Spink Art Deco poster design
By Gerald Mac Spink
Located in London, GB
To see our other original vintage London Transport posters and designs, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller". Gerald Mac Spink (fl...
Category

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Lifts and Stairs Galore, c.1930 underground poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Lifts and Stairs Galore Gouache 53 x 33 cm c.1930 Signed lower right Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, ...
Category

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

You May Also Like

Circa 1930 original poster by Edward McKnight Kauffer for London Underground
By Edward McKnight Kauffer
Located in PARIS, FR
This striking circa 1930 original poster by visionary graphic designer Edward McKnight Kauffer is a bold celebration of modernity, energy, and infrastructure. Created for London Unde...
Category

1930s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Lithograph, Paper

1924 Original Poster - For christmas Shop between 10 & 4 and travel Underground
Located in PARIS, FR
Horace Taylor was an English artist and poster designer. Although he worked primarily as a commercial artist, Horace Taylor was also a painter, draftsman and set designer. His poster...
Category

1920s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

'Subway No. 3' — Mid-century Modernism, New York City
By August Mosca
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
August Mosca, 'Subway No. 3', lithograph, c. 1946-56, edition 50. Signed, titled and numbered '28/50' in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression on off-white, wove paper; the full sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original LONDON MIDLAND & SCOTISH RAILWAY - LMS, 1925 vintage railroad poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Original London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) vintage Art Deco railway poster from 1925. The artist is Raymond Virac. Archival linen-backed and in excellent condition, ready to ...
Category

1920s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original Vintage 1935 London Theatre Poster For London Drama London Transport
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel advertising poster For London Drama London Transport featuring a stunning black and white charcoal drawing by the portrait artist and printmaker James Ardern ...
Category

Vintage 1930s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Barmouth, Early 20th Century Art-Deco Artwork for Poster
Located in London, GB
I.W. Early 20th Century Barmouth Watercolour, initialled and dated 1923 lower right Image size: 40 ½ x 25 inches Hand made frame Original artwork for a poster
Category

20th Century Art Deco Landscape Paintings

Materials

Watercolor