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Historic London tramways posters to go on display

Jess Warren
BBC News
The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation A group of people wait at a tram stop. Black and white photo.The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation
The posters were used across the London tram network

A collection of historic posters from the London tramways network will go on display next month.

The London Archives will showcase 40 posters dated from 1922 to 1933, including official tramways guides, photographs and a map.

The posters promote heritage attractions including the British Museum, days out at Hampstead Heath and Battersea Park, sports activities and shopping.

The posters would have been originally displayed at the front of tramcars, at London County Council sites and around the tram network.

The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation A black and cream poster that reads: London's Tramways. Epping Forest Travel by tram.The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation
The posters date from 1922 to 1933
The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation A colour poster that reads: London's Tramways. British Museum. Tram Services 33 35 from Westminster 7 minutes. Elephant & Castle 16 minutes.The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation
Colour posters were launched after the success of black and white posters
The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation A colour poster that reads: London's Tramways. Our way to the party.The London Archives/London Picture Archive/City of London Corporation
Each poster was designed to promote the tram network in some way

The first set of posters was commissioned in black and white by the London County Council from their Central School of Arts and Crafts.

Colour posters were then commissioned following their success, with other designers working on the project.

London's Tramways Posters will be on display from 10 February to 26 June at The London Archives.

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