Commercial passenger flying took off (pardon the pun) in the 1920 and 1930s, growing rapidly out of the public enthusiasm for air displays, events like the Schneider Trophy races, and the advent of the flying boat on long-haul connection to the outposts of Empire. These glorious advertisements reflect that new passion for travel to far-flung places, portraying the glamour and excitement of the times whilst leaving the risks and dangers to the imagination. And it was a glamorous era if you had money or connections: I’m old enough to remember flying boats on Southampton Water, but never boarded one until a visit to the RAF Museum at Hendon. Sadly, those days are gone now, except in a memory kept alive by these sorts of posters.
