Exhibition
Selling the Dream
Classic New Zealand Tourism Posters
19 June – 18 September 2016
A retro exhibition of more than 50 classic art posters
A retro exhibition of more than 50 classic art posters
Selling the Dream – Classic New Zealand Tourism Posters is a retro exhibition of more than 50 classic art posters that promote New Zealand as an idyllic visitor destination of outstanding natural beauty and adventure. Made from the 1920s – 1960s, before high-quality colour photography and automated large-scale printing, these beautiful, clever and carefully-crafted posters were pivotal in developing New Zealand’s tourism industry and the country’s national identity.
Sourced from private collections, the posters promote the glamour of travel and New Zealand’s tourism attractions of the day. The exhibition also features a series of short interviews and a 15 minute documentary which explores the art, skills and techniques of commercial artists during this period and also goes behind the scenes of the industry with fascinating footage illustrating the work of commercial studios including the Wellington-based National Publicity Studios and Railways Studios.
Selling the Dream is a Canterbury Museum touring exhibition.
