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The Seaside Calls Take a Kodak

Maker Percival Trompf (Australian, 1902 - 1964)

Date1930s

Object number00015668

NamePoster

MediumColour lithograph on paper

DimensionsOverall: 1007 x 630 mm, 0.2 kg

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis travel poster uses whimsical imagery of seagulls against a bold blue sky viewed by a women in a sundress and bonnet to advertise the seaside and charm tourists to coastal regions of Australia. This poster represents the techniques used to promote Australia as a desirable tourist destination. HistoryThe Australian National Travel Association (ANTA) was formed in 1929 to promote Australia as a tourist destination around the world by organising advertising. To communicate its message to a world that knew little of Australia, the ANTA produced striking imagery and simple slogans representing Australia as a desirable tourist destination. By the 1930s, beach culture was becoming an entrenched and iconic part of the Australian way of life. The ANTA developed posters with striking images and simple slogans to communicate to the world that Australia, a young country largely unknown to the overseas market and unique in resources and scenic beauty, was worthy of the world's tourist business. This poster uses the gliding seagulls to envoked the impression of freedom, sunshine and beach fun. Percival Tompf (1902-1981) is one of the best known Australian poster artists and was commissioned to produce posters for ANTA. Trompf was born in Victoria and attended Ballarat School of Mines and Industries; he opened a studio and designed thousands of advertising posters for such prominent Australian companies as Bryant & May Pty Ltd, Palmolive Co Ltd and the travel magazine 'Walkabout'. Trompf was free to experiment with designs and frequently used natural images such as seagulls to charm tourists to regions of Australia. SignificanceThis poster is a vivid symbol of an era when Australia undertook an aggressive campaign of promotion. The poster was commissioned by the Australian National Travel Association to promote travel within Australia. This travel poster is representative of work by acclaimed poster artist, Percival Trompf.