Sparked by next week’s Beighton auction, I have stumbled upon the fact that there were undeniably two Harry R’s active in the Golden Age of poster design.
The approach of the two couldn’t be more different but one thing that they have in common is that they are known for one thing in particular.
Britain’s Riley was famous for his ‘Happy Family’ style of railway posters. (Look darling, is that a new branch of Greggs ?). Its a style still popular today for off beat birthday cards
Australia’s Rogers went for a caricature approach to animals which went on and on and on. There must have been at least 50 versions by the time he hung up his paintbrush. He worked for Qantas through to the 1980s and in addition to posters was involved with setting up their corporate identitiy.
I have chosen the Singapore version simply to impart the information that Singapore translates as Tiger City. Also you’ve got to love his expression and eyes.
Of the two I prefer the Qantas posters, they do fetch large sums, up to $500 in some cases. I sold a Manila version recently myself.
On the other hand they are a bit one dimensional, tomorrow I will feature an animal poster that has a lot more going on.
Going back to next week’s British auction, there are 103 sketches and studies to have a go at. They are mostly none poster items so it will be interesting to see how they go!