White Star Postcard

A reproduction of a rare promotional postcard for Olympic and Titanic by the White Star Line who sought out the finest artists to illustrate the size, speed and service of their ships. Shipping lines commissioned colourful and dynamic artworks to impress potential customers. Advertising became critical to the success of the business and together with new lithographic techniques led to the foundation of the big advertising agencies we know today. Naturally ephemeral, paper brochures only existed a short period of time, and only a few have survived.

Some of Britain’s best marine artists created colourful masterpieces to promote the Belfast-built liners, including Montague Birrell Black, Percy Padden and James Mann, and their Art Nouveau and Art Deco stylings evoke the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Travel’.