Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

A. E. Halliwell
Xmas Gifts, 1930s vintage poster design by A. E. Halliwell

c.1930

About the Item

A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Xmas Gifts Airbrush and pen 50 x 32 cm c.1930 Stamped signature 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. This intriguing poster design by A. E. Halliwell features a series of bells ringing in both the start of the Christmas church services and of holiday spirit more generally. As is typical of art deco design, Halliwell makes ample use of the airbrush technique, creating an elegant effect. Perhaps more interestingly, however, Halliwell also depicts multiple frames, showing the bells at different angles. In doing so, he highlights their movement through an almost stop-motion like technique. 'Ding-dong, ding-dong', you can almost hear the bells ringing straight out of the poster...
  • Creator:
    A. E. Halliwell (1905 - 1987)
  • Creation Year:
    c.1930
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)Width: 12.6 in (32 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Generally very good, slight discolouration, pin holes to corners.
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU795316131812

More From This Seller

View All
Hats, 1930s art deco poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Hats Airbrush and pen 50 x 32 cm c.1930 Stamped signature Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, illustrator...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Furs, 1930s art deco poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Furs Airbrush and pen 50 x 32 cm c.1930 Stamped signature Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, illustrator...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Women in blue and yellow, vintage poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Women in blue and yellow Gouache 30 x 47 cm c.1930 Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British artist, illustrator, and d...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Running Race, 1930s vintage poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Running Race Airbrush and pen 13 x 13 cm c.1930 Signed to the bottom right Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a British art...
Category

1930s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Cricket: Defending the Wicket, 1930s vintage poster design by A. E. Halliwell
Located in London, GB
A. E. Halliwell (1905-1987) Defending the Wicket Airbrush and pen 13 x 13 cm c.1930 Signed to the bottom right Provenance: Family of the artist A.E. Halliwell (1905–1986) was a Bri...
Category

1930s Realist 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

You May Also Like

20th Century French Modernist Figure and Child Drawing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figure and child by Guy Nicod (French 1923 - 2021) watercolour on artist paper, unframed painting : 8 x 5.5 inches provenance: artists estate, France condition: very good and sound ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Ornette by African American Artist Bai, Colorful Work on Paper
By Bai (Carl Karni-Bain)
Located in New york, NY
A muted color acrylic and oil pastel of an androgenous subject with Modigliani eyes, Ornette by African American artist Bai is an enigmatic portrait made on 15” x 11” etching paper. ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Rag Paper, Ballpoint Pen

Mid Century French Portrait Seated Male Nude in a Meditative Pose
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Seated Male Nude in a Meditative Pose Artist: Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) Medium: signed black pen/charcoal on artists paper stuck on board, glass covered Size: 9.5 (h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen, Charcoal

Mid Century French Charcoal Portrait of a Woman in Profile
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Charcoal Portrait of a Woman in Profile Artist: Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) Medium: signed black pen/charcoal on artists paper stuck on board, glass covered Size: 11 (...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Ballpoint Pen

Mid Century French Portrait Seated Figures with Hat and Loose Shirt
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Seated figure Artist: Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) Medium: signed black pen on artists paper stuck on board, glass covered Size: 12 (height) x 8.5 (width) Condition: G...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Mid Century French Portrait Drawing of a Seated Man in Thought
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Drawing of a Seated Man in Thought Artist: Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) Medium: signed black pen on artists paper stuck on board, glass covered Dated 1946 Size: 12 (hei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Recently Viewed

View All