SNCF

This original vintage French railway poster, designed by Starr for SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), was issued in 1951 to promote the Bons S.N.C.F. 1951, a railway savings bond combined with a travel lottery. Priced at 5,000 francs, the bonds offered purchasers the chance to win substantial rail travel prizes while also earning interest and being redeemable after five years, making them both an investment and a unique promotional campaign for French rail travel.

The cheerful illustration depicts an elegantly dressed couple ready to embark on their journey, waving goodbye while carrying suitcases and travel gear. The optimistic post-war imagery reflects the renewed enthusiasm for travel and mobility in France during the early 1950s. The large information panel explains the generous prizes, including 1,000 awards of 5,000 kilometres in first class, 10,000 awards of 3,000 kilometres in second class, and 100,000 awards of 1,000 kilometres in third class, with quarterly prize draws throughout the year.

Designed by Starr, the poster combines eye-catching typography with an appealing illustration to encourage public participation in one of SNCF's most ambitious promotional campaigns. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the marketing strategies used by the French National Railways during the post-war period, when rail travel was expanding rapidly and attracting a growing number of leisure and business travelers.

An unusual and highly collectible original vintage SNCF poster, combining railway history, post-war graphic design, and one of the most distinctive travel promotions ever offered by the French National Railways.

Mounted on linen (old). In very good condition with some age wear.