PLEASE SEE PHOTO FOR DETAILS AND CONDITION OF THIS NEW, CLEAN AND BRIGHT POSTER
SIZE OF POSTER PRINT - 12 X 18 INCHES
DATE OF ORIGINAL PRINT, POSTER OR ADVERT - 1930'S
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DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:
The advertisement poster often associated with theChicago Transit Authority (CTA) Loop "L" Centennialis actually a modern reprint of a classic 1920s/1930s design, specifically updated to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the elevated lines in 1997.
"Avoid Street Congestion" Poster
The most famous poster in this series, originally produced around1930, was illustrated byArthur A. Johnson.
Visual Design:It features a dynamic, diagonal composition looking upward from street-level traffic toward streamlined elevated "L" cars. It is noted for being one of the few posters from that era that actually depicted the trains themselves, rather than just the destinations they served.
The Original Version:In the 1930s, the text at the bottom read "Rapid Transit Lines, Fast...Reliable". At that time, the system was operated by theChicago Rapid Transit Company (CRT), not the CTA.
The Centennial Update:In1997, the poster was redesigned and reprinted byPoster Plusfor the CTA to celebrate theLoop "L" Centennial. This version replaces the original text with "Chicago Transit Authority" and "Loop 'L' Centennial".
Context and Artists of the 1930s Era
The 1930s was a peak period for Chicago transit art, often commissioned under the "Insull interests" (Samuel Insull), who owned the rapid transit and interurban lines.
Arthur A. Johnson:Known for his modernist approach, he focused on the speed and efficiency of the "L" as a solution to city congestion.
Other Notable Artists:Other prominent illustrators for Chicago elevated and railroad lines during this period includedLeslie Ragan(famous for the20th Century Limitedposters) andOscar Rabe Hanson.
Legacy:These posters were part of a massive branding campaign to encourage Chicagoans to use the "L" for leisure and sightseeing, not just work.
Today, the"Avoid Street Congestion" Centennialversion remains one of the most popular and widely reproduced images of the Chicago Loop.
ARTIST:
Arthur A. Johnsonwas aprolific American illustrator and commercial artist active in the1920s and 1930s, best known for defining the visual brand of Chicago’s transit systems.
The "Rapid Transit" Specialist
While many of his contemporaries focused on destination-based travel posters (landscapes and landmarks), Johnson specialized in themechanics of the city.
The "L" Specialist:He is the artist behind the most famous posters for theChicago Rapid Transit Company(the precursor to the CTA).
"Avoid Street Congestion":His most iconic work (circa 1930) depicts an elevated train soaring above a crowded street of vintage automobiles. It remains one of themost reproduced imagesin Chicago transit history.
Style:His work is a textbook example ofAmerican Art Deco. He utilized bold, diagonal lines to imply speed and "low-angle" perspectives to make the elevated trains appear heroic and monumental.
Key Contributions and Career
The Insull Commissions:Johnson was a primary artist for theSamuel Insullutility and transit empire. He created posters not just for the "L", but also for theChicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad(the North Shore Line).
Modernizing the Commute:His advertisements were credited with changing the public perception of the "L" from a noisy necessity to a sleek, modern, and "high-speed" luxury that bypassed the "gridlock" of 1920s Chicago.
Technique:He often worked ingouache, allowing for the flat, saturated colors and sharp edges that defined the "streamlined" look of the era.
Legacy and Collectibility
Because Johnson’s work so perfectly captured the "Machine Age" energy of Chicago, his posters are highly prized by collectors ofChicagoanaandrailway art.
Museum Presence:His posters are frequently featured in exhibitions at theChicago History Museumand theArt Institute of Chicago.
The Centennial Reprint:As mentioned previously, his "Avoid Street Congestion" design was the one chosen by theChicago Transit Authority (CTA)for their official1997 Loop Centennialcelebration, cementing his status as the definitive artist of the Chicago "L".
