JEAN DUPAS (1882-1964) CAMDEN TOWN, CHALK FARM OR REGENTS PARK "UNDERGROUND" STN. 1933. 40x25 inches, 101 1/2x63 1/2 cm. Johnson, Riddle & Co. Ltd., London. Condition B+: mat staining in margins; minor repaired tears and creases in margins; creases in image; colors attenuated. Dupas was trained as an academic painter and his Neoclassicist style manifested itself in his memorable, mannerist Art Deco imagery. His signature aesthetic was rendering extraordinary women with elongated necks in pastoral settings, employing sophisticated layers of shadows and minimal use of color. His work, quintessential of the refined and luxurious French Art Deco style, so captivated his contemporaries that he was called upon to help decorate the interiors of many buildings and public spaces. "This poster is part of a set of four promoting the different modes of transport offered by the newly formed London Passenger Transport Board" which consolidated control of all forms of public transportation in and around London (Pleasure Trips p. 61). The organization existed from 1933 to 1948 and was responsible for transportation via underground, tramway, omnibus and coaches. In all, Dupas designed six posters for the London transport system between 1930 and 1933, all of which are present in this auction. Weill 398, Pleasure Trips p. 61.
