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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Created by an anonymous artist, this 1938 airline advertisement reflects the golden age of travel poster design, when commercial aviation was promoted with an aura of adventure and modernity. During this era, major airlines commissioned striking visuals to entice travelers, using posters distributed through travel agencies and public spaces to shape the image of air travel as both aspirational and accessible.
Anonymous illustrators played a key role in defining the visual language of aviation, blending commercial goals with artistic innovation to capture the excitement of exploring distant destinations.
The Artwork
This poster, Hawaii by flying clipper, was produced for Pan American Airways System to promote Hawaii as an exotic and inviting destination. At a time when transoceanic flights were rare and remarkable, the flying clipper—referring to the luxurious seaplanes of the era—symbolized the promise of effortless travel across the Pacific. The image of a lei greeting at the dock highlights the allure of Hawaiian hospitality and the anticipation of arrival, weaving local tradition into the narrative of modern travel.
The artwork served as both advertisement and cultural invitation, encouraging viewers to imagine themselves embarking on a transformative journey.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features a streamlined seaplane approaching a tropical harbor, where a figure offers a vibrant lei. The design employs bold, simplified shapes and a harmonious palette of deep ocean blues, lush greens, and warm yellows, punctuated by bright red details in the lei. The use of crisp outlines and smooth gradients is characteristic of classic lithographic and airbrushed poster techniques.
The overall effect is optimistic and inviting, capturing the spirit of 1930s travel advertising. This piece appeals to collectors of vintage advertising posters, as well as enthusiasts of sea and ocean wall art and blue tone prints.
In Interior Design
This vintage Hawaii travel poster brings a sense of escapism and nostalgia to any space, making it ideal for entryways, living rooms, or creative workspaces. Its vibrant colors and evocative imagery pair well with coastal, mid-century, or eclectic interiors, especially when combined with natural materials like rattan, light woods, and linen.
To create visual harmony, echo the poster's sea-inspired hues with sandy neutrals and palm greens, or display it alongside other sea and ocean wall art for a cohesive, travel-inspired decor scheme.