From the London Underground’s brilliant poster output comes this witty satire by Arnrid Banniza Johnston, for the lines heading to the famous Regent’s Park Zoo. While seals, a lion, and an elephant stroll around looking at exhibits, humans take their place and cavort in the cages. There is a “Cockney Vulgaris,” a “Screeching Prima Donna,” and a couple of “Great Crested Magnates” with a sign on their cage saying “Do Not Tease These People.” Clever and good-natured, the poster offers up social criticism of a sort rarely seen in transportation posters.
Originally from Sweden, Miss Johnston did other posters for the Underground as well as illustrating a book of Aesop’s Fables. She specialized in drawing animals and was also a sculptor and carver.