Britain in Autumn | 1950s

Britain in Autumn, Circa 1950s, by Norman Wilkinson

This evocative travel poster presents the British countryside bathed in the golden hues of autumn. Rolling hills stretch into the distance, their slopes illuminated by soft light, while a winding stream adds depth to the landscape. In the foreground, a man in a cap and a woman in a long coat stand among rocks and wild heather, gazing out over the valley. A single tree, its leaves turning yellow, frames the right side of the composition. The sky, a mix of blue and cloud, suggests the shifting weather of the season.

Produced by the British Tourist and Holidays Board, this poster aimed to promote domestic and international travel to Britain, emphasizing its natural beauty across the seasons. In the post-war period, tourism was growing as rail and road travel became more accessible. The emphasis on autumn suggests a campaign to encourage off-season travel, drawing attention to Britain’s scenic landscapes beyond the summer months.

Norman Wilkinson was a renowned British painter, illustrator, and poster artist, known for his maritime and landscape works. He was instrumental in the development of dazzle camouflage during World War I, a technique designed to confuse enemy submarines. Later, he became a prolific travel poster artist, producing striking images for railway companies and tourism boards.