In contrast to the phone hacking scandals and intrusive journalism which have landed today’s press on thin ice, a sense of wintry wholesomeness exudes from this poster advertising New York newspaper, The Sun. Designed in 1900 by British-born artist, Louis Rhead, it belongs to the ‘Masters of the Poster’ series which also includes iconic imagery from the much-loved Mucha and the lauded Toulouse-Lautrec.
Winning a gold medal for best American poster design in 1895, Rhead was certainly a ‘Maitre de l'Affiche', yet he was also highly regarded for his fly-fishing skills ('Maitre de le Fish’?) - an interest which inspired much of his artwork and written publications.
As a successful commercial artist, contributing regularly to magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Century, Rhead knew about what sells.
His obituary in the New York Times reads as follows:
Not a bad hook for a story...
In other news, the beautiful ice rink at Somerset House is now open, so get your skates on and catch some interesting art exhibitions there too.
That must have been some turtle!
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