"Visit the Empire" (1932) – Vintage British Propaganda Poster
Printed on Museum-Quality Matte Paper Poster
Step back into the golden age of British imperial pride with this stunning 1932 propaganda poster, originally designed by E.M. Dirickx for the London Underground. Titled "Visit the Empire by London's Underground," this vibrant artwork was part of a campaign to promote the British Empire as a source of wonder, adventure, and global reach—all accessible from the heart of London.
The poster blends idealized imagery of Britain's far-flung colonies—from the wild moose of Canada to the tropical fruits of the West Indies and the exotic animals of the Pacific Isles. A map of the Empire is shown in red, symbolizing the British dominions that spanned the globe. At the center rises London, crowned by the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, casting radiant imperial light over the world.
Surrounding the map are beautifully illustrated vignettes representing:
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Canada with its rugged wildlife,
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New Zealand and Jamaica with their tropical flora and fauna,
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British Guiana and the Pacific Isles portrayed in lush colonial romanticism,
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and West Indies and Newfoundland, echoing exoticism and abundance.
At the base, London Underground stations like Holborn, Camden Town, and Kew Gardens are featured as gateways to the Empire—suggesting that a ride on the Tube could symbolically connect you to the entire British world.
This poster is a striking example of imperial propaganda: it celebrates British colonial dominance while masking the harsh realities of empire with romanticized imagery. Today, it stands as both a beautiful piece of graphic design and a powerful historical document of Britain’s 20th-century worldview.
Printed on Museum-Quality Matte Paper, this high-resolution reproduction captures every detail and vivid color of the original lithograph, making it a conversation-starting centerpiece for any room.
Size: 70 cm x 100 cm
Perfect for: Historians, vintage design lovers, London memorabilia collectors, or anyone fascinated by the visual legacy of empire.
Our Master's Edition archival paper, in off-white and uncoated, offers museum-quality for art enthusiasts seeking a luxurious way to enjoy world-class artworks:
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Paper Finishing: Matte, uncoated, natural white (off-white).
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Acid-Free: pH above 7 to prevent yellowing over time.
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Paper Weight: 250 gsm (110 lb), Thickness: 0.29 mm (11.4 mils).
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Available Sizes: 29 sizes in inches (US&CA) and cms (rest of the world).
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Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified paper for sustainability.
Learn about paper types and their unique textures and finishes here.
No minimum orders, printed and shipped on demand.
