Australia By Northwest Via Honolulu So Near By QANTAS
Artist
Frank McNamara
(1916 - 1995)
Printer
Litho Australia
(Australian)
Publisher
Qantas
Datec 1953
Object number00032177
NamePoster
MediumColour lithograph on paper
DimensionsOverall: 1057 x 700 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis poster advertising travel with QANTAS Airways portrays the Australian lifestyle as both modern, sophisticated and centred around the beach. Beaches were popular subjects for poster artists whose mission was to tempt travellers to visit Australia.
HistoryBy the 1930s, beach culture was becoming an established part of the Australian lifestyle and a cornerstone of our national identity.
During the 1950s, international tourist travel was increased and as air travel became more affordable. Australia with its sunny beaches became a more desirable and accessible destination for international visitors. Posters used powerful imagery to convey their message of Australia as modern, sophisticated and 'so near' by air travel.
SignificanceIn the post-war economic boom of the 1950s, international tourism travel was increasing and as air travel became more affordable. Australia with its sunny beaches became a more desirable and accessible destination for European and American tourists. Poster art uses powerful imagery and this poster presents an idealised Australia as modern, sophisticated with the clear message that it is 'so near' by air travel. This poster is representative of work by artist Frank McNamara.
