Cunard M.V. Britannic Circa 1940

This striking circa 1940 travel poster by British illustrator Samuel M. Brown showcases the M.V. Britannic, one of the Cunard Line’s most advanced motor vessels of its time. Designed in the modernist tradition, the poster is an ode to power, precision, and pride during a turbulent era.

Bathed in bold hues and clean geometry, Brown's rendering of the Britannic projects strength and optimism. The ship surges forward through stylized waters, its silhouette sleek and purposeful—a visual metaphor for the unshakable resolve of British maritime engineering on the eve of or during World War II.

The Britannic, launched in 1929 and later repurposed during the war as a troopship, was a symbol of luxury transformed into service. This poster captures both its elegant civilian legacy and its wartime adaptability, reflecting how the line between commerce and conflict was blurred during this era.

Samuel M. Brown, known for his architectural clarity and crisp draughtsmanship, created works that conveyed both movement and monumentality. In this poster, the Britannic becomes not just a vessel, but an emblem of Cunard’s enduring stature—a company that carried people and nations through war and peace alike.

This original travel poster is a compelling relic from the golden age of ocean liners, illustrating how art was used to maintain confidence, patriotism, and continuity during uncertain times.

Shipping Company - Tourism - Boat - United Kingdom

Printed in England

Good condition, a small tear restored