Title - We Can Stay Till The End - We're Going Home By Southern Electric.
Artist - May Bethell Jones (or Bethell-Jones, ne Smith) (1904-2002).
Description - A bright depiction of a stylish couple seated at the theatre or cinema in London making the statement that because they travel home using Southern Electric services, they are able to stay later than the people who are seen leaving early as silhouettes. The message was being used to suggest that the trains were faster and more frequent than the alternative steam trains. It also helped to encourage more use of trains in the evenings, after the rush-hours, for leisure travel.
Year Published - 1939
Size - Double Royal (approx 40 x 25in or 101.5 x 63.5cm) plus linen border.
Other Details:
Original Vintage British Railway Travel Poster.
Southern Railway Advertising 67 Ad. 5061/1500/1939.
Printed in Great Britain by Waterlow & Sons Ltd, London & Dunstable.
Condition Grade and Condition Report:
Grade: B+, conservation-backed on linen as acquired.
Repaired tear at bottom edge. Repairs to worn folds, with discolouration remaining on upper folds. More detailed photos are available on request if required.
More About The Artist:
May Smith was born in Manchester in 1904, studied at Manchester Art School and started freelance work in London in 1925. She produced artwork for the Radio Times, illustrated many books, as well as a number of poster for the Southern Railway. She died in Puncknowle, Dorset in 2002.