July 2026

July’s object of the month is a travel poster produced for the GWR to advertise sea passages from Weymouth to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. Dating from 1891, it is an excellent early example of the switch from information heavy to colourful railway publicity posters that used to attract travellers in the Victorian period. The GWR began to develop its own passenger shipping services from 1871, with operated routes from Milford Haven and Fishguard to Ireland, and from Weymouth and Portland to the Channel Islands and France. The 600-man Steam Ship named ‘Ibex’ that features in the poster was the company’s newest and fastest vessel. It set impressive speed records for the journey from Guernsey to Weymouth, taking only 3 hours and 46 minutes to complete.

The poster is designed by Benjamin George who was a British commercial artist and illustrator, best known for designing travel posters in the late Victorian and early Edwardian period. His speciality was highly detailed scenes that combined accurate depictions of ships, landscapes, and passengers. George also collaborated with the London based designer Owen Jones in the development of the first decorative biscuit tins produced for Huntley and Palmers. Sadly, George is not as widely recognised as some later artists despite his work helping to establish the visual style of early British travel advertising.

By the 1930s the GWR became famous for its posters and advertisements, promoting both rail and sea travel. They used the connecting link of stunning destinations such as the Channel Islands, and the ease of travelling by rail and sea, to encourage holidaymakers to journey by their services. Posters often lined stations and carriages, providing the GWR with a recognisable brand and image. As their visual identity grew and developed, many of the posters no longer needed the company’s name or logo due to people instantly recognising them. This reflected the strength of the company’s branding and the confidence that GWR had in its advertising to promote destinations instead of its services.

“I chose this poster because it caught my attention with its bright colours, bold lettering, and detailed artwork. I found it interesting due to it reflecting the importance of the joint services that the railway and shipping had in developing both the GWR and tourism destinations”.

– Rosie Jones- A Level student