Blue Funnel Line South Africa Australia

This is a genuine vintage travel advertising poster from the 1920s, issued by The Blue Funnel Line (Alfred Holt & Co., Liverpool). The image features a smiling sailor in a crisp blue and white uniform, standing confidently on a ship’s platform, rope in hand, gazing out over a calm sea. Below him, a smaller passenger steamer and sailboats navigate the water, with distant hills forming the horizon—a classic depiction of early 20th-century ocean travel.

Promoting first-class passenger steamers to South Africa and Australia, this poster highlights the prestige and reach of The Blue Funnel Line. Founded in 1866 by Alfred Holt, the company earned a strong reputation for its fleet quality, well-trained crews, and exceptional management. Known locally on Merseyside as “The China Company,” it became a symbol of British maritime excellence.

This original artwork, signed by Maurice Randall, is in good condition for its age. It was originally folded horizontally and has since been linen-backed (on older linen). There are minor creases and edge tears, and the bottom text area has been trimmed. Despite these imperfections, the colors remain vivid, and the imagery striking.

A rare piece for collectors of maritime memorabilia, vintage travel posters, or nautical-themed decor.

Keywords: vintage maritime poster, Blue Funnel Line travel, Alfred Holt shipping, South Africa Australia steamship, 1920s ocean liner art, nautical travel poster, original shipping advertisement