The Lure of the Underground
Graphic design, advertising poster (lithographic print) • Alfred Leete (1882–1933)
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Interwar Commercial Illustration
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; offset lithographic reproduction of a 1927 original illustration featuring flat color planes and bold, graphic outlines
Creation Period
Original design created in 1927; this specific object appears to be a mid-to-late 20th-century reprint (likely for Athena International)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 20 inches; Vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A bustling London street scene rendered in a whimsical, bird's-eye perspective. It depicts a dense crowd of varied characters (commuters, shoppers, golfers) drawn toward a central London Underground station entrance. A red double-decker 'General' bus and vintage vehicles are featured, emphasizing the underground as a swift alternative to surface traffic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print shows vibrant color with minor edge wear and slight curling typical of paper posters
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (as a modern decorative reprint)
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a modern print retailer or museum shop; originally commissioned by London Transport (The Underground Electric Railways Company of London Limited)
Art Historical Significance
Alfred Leete is a pivotal figure in British graphic design, most famous for his 'Lord Kitchener Wants You' poster. This specific work is a masterpiece of early 20th-century transport advertising, showing the shift towards using playful, artistic illustrations to brand public utility as a modern lifestyle choice.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic 'Underground' bar-and-circle logo and Leete's signature (bottom right); footer text indicates it is a licensed reproduction through Athena International/London Transport.
Condition Issues
Minor creases along the margins, slight yellowing of the paper base due to age, and small handling marks at the corners.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount on acid-free backing and frame under UV-protective glazing to prevent further light-induced fading and paper acidification.