South Eastern and Chatham Railway

This authentic vintage travel poster from 1907 promotes voyages across the English Channel via the South Eastern and Chatham Railway. The poster's upper portion features bold black text on an orange background, announcing the railway company and its services. Beneath the title is an evocative illustration of a lively scene aboard a steamboat crossing turbulent seas. Passengers, dressed in early 20th-century fashion, enjoy the deck despite the dramatic waves in the background, with ships visible on the horizon. The composition conveys both the adventure and elegance of travel during that era.

The lower portion highlights the destinations, emphasizing “Grands Bateaux à Turbines” and the shortest crossing between Calais-Douvres (Dover) and Boulogne-Folkestone. The text, in vibrant green and red, contrasts with the orange backdrop, making the advertisement visually striking. A tax stamp in the upper-right corner confirms its authenticity as a public display piece.

The Science Museum Group dates this poster to 1907. The poster exhibits age-related wear, including minor dirt marks and a small tear at the bottom. Despite these imperfections, it retains its charm and would make a wonderful wall display as a historical and artistic piece.