Title - Cambridge - The "Backs" in Springtime.
Location - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England.
Artist - Raymond Teague Cowern (1913-1986).
Description - An unusual and beautifully composed poster for Cambridge, with a wonderful view of spring flowers (mainly daffodils) and trees coming into leaf, with a bridge and college building in the background. The Backs is the area alongside the River Cam where the grounds of a number of colleges border the river. The daffodils still bring the area to life in spring.
Year Published - 1950s
Size - Double Royal (approx 40 x 25in or 101.5 x 63.5cm)
Other Details:
Original Vintage British Railways Travel Poster.
Published by The Railway Executive (Eastern Region) (PP1137)
Printed in Great Britain by Jordison & Co Ltd, London and Middlesbrough
Condition Grade and Condition Report:
Grade: B+, un-conserved.
Folds, pinholes, minor edge browning and creasing, small tear to bottom edge with acid-free tape on rear. More detailed photos are available on request if required.
More About The Artist:
Raymond Teague Cowern was born in Birmingham in 1913, the only child of George Cowern, a coal merchant, and his wife Elsie. He attended the Birmingham Central School of Art, followed by the Royal College of Art in London. During the 1930s, Cowern worked as a draughtsman for an archaeological expedition in Egypt, making drawings and etchings of his surroundings during his spare time.
During the War, he was employed painting camouflage but never succeeded in becoming an official war artist. After the war he began to build a successful career as a teacher and also developed a greater interest in painting. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1968.
We are not aware of him producing any other railway posters.