Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Patten
1951 original poster "Train for a Splendid Career" in the Royal Air Force (RAF)

1951

$1,472.51
£1,091.95
€1,500VAT Included
CA$2,055.96
A$2,086.02
CHF 1,191.66
MX$25,256.45
NOK 13,999.78
SEK 13,981.24
DKK 9,531.14

About the Item

This 1951 original RAF recruitment poster, designed by Patten, is a vibrant and optimistic piece of mid-century graphic design, encouraging young men to "Train for a Splendid Career" in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an apprentice. At the center of the composition is a smiling young recruit, dressed in an RAF uniform, exuding enthusiasm and pride. Behind him, three jet planes soar through the sky, leaving behind colorful contrails in red, white, and blue, symbolizing dynamism, progress, and national pride. The bold typography of “RAF”, with each letter in a different color, adds to the modern and eye-catching aesthetic. During the early 1950s, Britain was rebuilding its armed forces, and the RAF was at the forefront of aviation innovation. The Apprenticeship Scheme was a key recruitment initiative, offering technical training and career advancement for young men eager to enter the rapidly evolving world of military aviation. This poster highlights the opportunities for skill development, career stability, and national service, making it an appealing proposition for ambitious youth. The bright lime-green background, combined with the playful, energetic design, reflects the post-war optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the era. The use of photographic realism for the recruit’s face, contrasted with the stylized planes and typography, creates a striking visual effect, blending traditional propaganda with modern advertising techniques. This RAF recruitment poster remains a highly collectible piece of Cold War-era advertising, representing Britain’s commitment to air superiority, technological progress, and skilled workforce development. A brilliant example of military design, it captures the aspiration and excitement of a new generation ready to take to the skies. Aviation - Military - United Kingdom As An Apprentice Barnard & Westwood London
  • Creator:
    Patten
  • Creation Year:
    1951
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, folds.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792215894882

More From This Seller

View All
1951 original Royal Air Force (RAF) recruitment poster

1951 original Royal Air Force (RAF) recruitment poster

Located in PARIS, FR

This 1951 original Royal Air Force (RAF) recruitment poster, designed by Mount Reginald, embodies the sleek, futuristic optimism of post-war aviation. The dramatic black-and-white photograph of a Vickers Valiant bomber soaring through the clouds dominates the composition, symbolizing power, speed, and technological advancement. The lower section of the poster, in bold red and cream tones, features the RAF’s recruitment slogan: “There’s a place for you in the RAF”, reinforcing the message of opportunity and national service. The strong, modern typography and sharp geometric shapes give the poster a dynamic, forward-looking feel, in line with Britain’s post-war military modernization efforts. At the time of its release, Britain was strengthening its air defense capabilities as the Cold War intensified. The RAF’s Bomber Command played a crucial role in nuclear deterrence and strategic air power, making recruitment a key priority. The Vickers Valiant, shown in the image, was one of the RAF’s “V-bombers”, a cutting-edge fleet designed for long-range missions, showcasing Britain’s technological prowess. This poster was part of a highly effective RAF recruitment campaign, targeting young men with promises of adventure, cutting-edge technology, and national pride. The mid-century modernist design, with its bold colors, strong contrast, and dynamic composition, reflects the post-war optimism and rapid evolution of military aviation. Highly collectible today, this 1951 RAF poster...

Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1951 recruitment message Make a Modern Career in the RAF Ground Trades

1951 recruitment message Make a Modern Career in the RAF Ground Trades

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1951 recruitment message Make a Modern Career in the RAF Ground Trades reflects the post-war era’s focus on modernization and the appeal to a new generation seeking opportunity a...

Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Circa 1960 original poster by Lander -  See Britain by train - London

Circa 1960 original poster by Lander - See Britain by train - London

Located in PARIS, FR

The circa 1960 original poster by Lander, titled "See Britain by train British Railways - Londres," encapsulates the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined post-war Britain...

Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1941 Original poster by the Ministry-Secretary of State for War - Armée de l'air

1941 Original poster by the Ministry-Secretary of State for War - Armée de l'air

Located in PARIS, FR

Original poster Under the terms of article 4 of the armistice agreement signed with Germany on June 22, 1940, the French army was limited to "the troops necessary to maintain intern...

Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

RAF in Action WW2 original vintage poster

RAF in Action WW2 original vintage poster

Located in London, GB

To see our other original vintage posters, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the poste...

Category

20th Century Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Original Vintage WWII Poster Back Up The Fighting Forces British Army RAF Navy

Original Vintage WWII Poster Back Up The Fighting Forces British Army RAF Navy

Located in London, GB

Original vintage World War Two poster - Back Up The Fighting Forces - featuring an image of three men in military uniform from the Royal Air Force RAF, British Army and Royal Navy ag...

Category

Vintage 1940s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage British Army Recruitment Poster Army Apprentice Tradesman

Original Vintage British Army Recruitment Poster Army Apprentice Tradesman

Located in London, GB

Original vintage British Army recruitment poster featuring a great design depicting a young boy in school uniform and cap with a satchel over his shoulder looking up at a large poste...

Category

Vintage 1950s British Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Official Reproduction Poster Imperial War Museum London Transport Liddle

Vintage Official Reproduction Poster Imperial War Museum London Transport Liddle

Located in London, GB

Vintage official reproduction poster issued for London Underground featuring colourful World War One artwork depicting the Battle of Ypres with images of an RAF Royal Air Force plane...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Posters

Materials

Paper