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Art deco – ephemera of that era

Tasmania in Apple Time, published by P&O, folding brochure, 3 pages, 20.3 x 12.8 cm, December 1934.
Tasmania in Apple Time, published by P&O, folding brochure, 3 pages, 20.3 x 12.8 cm, December 1934.

HOLIDAY TIME IN THE 1920s & 30s; THANKS TO ESA MEMBER AJAY FOR ACCESS TO THESE ART DECO TRAVEL BROCHURES, LABELS AND MENUS.

If not to Tasmania, where might one go?

To Java-Bali & Singapore: on a great white yacht [The Seven Weeks' Wonder Tour Through the Netherlands Indies], maps and illustrations, stitched binding. Printed by John Sands in Australia, 22.7 x 15.5 cm [no date].
To Java-Bali & Singapore: on a great white yacht [The Seven Weeks’ Wonder Tour Through the Netherlands Indies], maps and illustrations, stitched binding. Printed by John Sands in Australia, 22.7 x 15.5 cm [no date].
 When one travels, one by necessity collects luggage labels.

Java China Japan, ship label, 13.4 x 19 cm, circa 1920s-1930s. Collection of AJAY.
Java-China -Japan Lijn, ship label, 13.4 x 19 cm, circa 1920s-1930s.

This is an example of one of three types of labels available to passengers. They were used to indicate which luggage was to be stored in the cabin, near the cabin or could be stored in the hold.

Menus are another lovely piece of ephemera.

Cunard White Star menu for 23 April 1937. Menu for the Holt family. Folded card, 16.2 x 13.4 cm, circa 1937. Collection of AJAY.
Cunard White Star menu for 23 April 1937. Menu for the Holt family. Folded card, 16.2 x 13.4 cm, circa 1937.

The illustration is one of 3 large mural carvings by John Skeaping. The murals were in the starboard gallery promenade on R.M.S. Queen Mary.

Menu for the T.S.S. Katoomba; winter cruise to the Great Barrier Reef Islands 8 June to 23 June 1937, folded card, 15.7 x 12 cm. Collection of AJAY.
Menu for the T.S.S. Katoomba; winter cruise to the Great Barrier Reef Islands 8 June to 23 June 1937, folded card, 15.7 x 12 cm. Collection of AJAY.

We have shown you this menu unfolded as it shows the common feature of a page for the autographs of those dining at your table.

P&O Royal Mail Liners: First Saloon and Second Saloon, stapled booklet, 22 pages, 22.5 x 14.3 cm, [1935].
P&O Royal Mail Liners: First Saloon and Second Saloon, stapled booklet, 22 pages, 22.5 x 14.3 cm, [1935].
This is an information booklet provided to prospective passengers. We will show you more from AJAY’s lovely collection in the coming days.

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Comments

  1. Some striking images of travel art. Could we also see a couple of examples of what was on the menus?

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