Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Print of the Day: Seamen Prefer Shell, 1934

Click on the image to prefer Shell.

Advertising Poster
Tristram Hillier, 1934
The Victoria & Albert Museum





YOU CAN BE SURE OF SHELL

SEAMEN PREFER SHELL

Oh really? Printed in 1934, this poster (color lithograph) was published as an advertisement for “Shell Motor Spirit.” “Motor Spirit,” I suppose, is “petrol” or as we say in the U.S. “gaaaaaas.” Neat.

The poster shows all sorts of very complicated-looking naval instruments arranged on a table. Behind them, a seascape is punctuated by a lighthouse and steamship.

Interestingly, this poster has been signed by its artist—Tristram Paul Hillier (1905-1983). It was printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, Ltd. for Shell Mex and British Petroleum, Ltd. 



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