For the Zoo - Camden Town, Chalk Farm - London Underground, 1930

Johnston, Arnrid Banniza poster: For the Zoo - Camden Town, Chalk Farm - London Underground

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.

Johnston, Arnrid Banniza

24.8 x 40.2 inches (63 x 102 cm)

Lithograph | Backed on linen

Inventory #UKC21616

KEYWORDS:
1930s
animals
satire
political
subway
humor
zoo
medium
Realistic Illustration Style
Great Britain & Ireland
white
orange
gray