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.
