Giant Conquerors of Space and Time 1932

The 1932 original poster "Giant Conquerors of Space and Time" by Teller Griff is a remarkable representation of the era's fascination with advancements in transportation and the marvels of modern engineering. This piece was created to highlight the achievements of the Pennsylvania Railroad, one of the most significant railway companies in the United States, and was distributed by the Société Française de Transports in Paris, France, showcasing its international relevance.

The poster serves as a celebration of technological progress, symbolizing the conquest of distance through innovation in rail and air travel. Its title, "Giant Conquerors of Space and Time," encapsulates the transformative power of these transportation methods, which connected cities, nations, and continents with unprecedented speed and efficiency. This theme resonated deeply during the interwar period, as the world marveled at the rapid advances in industrial technology and infrastructure.

This work was part of a broader cultural narrative during the 1930s, a time when railroads were at their peak as the dominant mode of long-distance transportation. The Pennsylvania Railroad, often referred to as the "Standard Railroad of the World," was a symbol of American industrial strength and ingenuity. Its trains were celebrated for their speed, reliability, and luxury, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence and innovation.

The inclusion of an airplane in the design underscores the emerging significance of aviation as a complementary mode of transportation. The early 20th century saw aviation evolve from experimental flights to commercial operations, offering a vision of the future where trains and planes worked in tandem to shrink the world. This dual emphasis on railroads and aviation illustrates the era's optimism about technology's ability to transcend geographical barriers.

The calendar featured at the bottom of the poster serves both a practical and promotional purpose. It underscores the utility of the poster as a functional item, likely distributed to clients or displayed in offices and public spaces, while also keeping the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Société Française de Transports in the viewer's mind throughout the year.

As a work of commercial art, the poster reflects the stylistic tendencies of its time. The 1930s were marked by a transition from the ornate designs of the Art Nouveau period to the sleek, modern aesthetics of Art Deco. Posters like this one balanced dramatic imagery with clean, functional elements, making them both visually striking and accessible to a wide audience.

Today, the "Giant Conquerors of Space and Time" poster is celebrated not only as a historical artifact but also as a testament to the optimism and ambition of the early 20th century. It captures the spirit of an era when transportation revolutionized daily life and offered a glimpse of an interconnected future. For collectors and historians, it remains a vivid reminder of the transformative power of industry and the enduring allure of the golden age of travel.

Original Poster

Airline - Railway - Art Deco

Pennsylvania Railroad - French Society

Osborne Company Newark

Good condition