Australian National Airways “Douglas” Vintage Travel Poster (1939)
Majestic, optimistic, and unmistakably pre-war, this superb reproduction of the Australian National Airways Douglas poster captures a defining moment in Australia’s aviation history. Featuring the elegant Douglas DC-2 sweeping over the NSW coastline, the artwork celebrates speed, progress, and the romance of early commercial flight—when air travel was still a marvel and the landscape below felt thrillingly close.
Originally produced in 1939, this poster stands at the cusp of a new era: modern aircraft, expanding air routes, and a nation being stitched together from the sky.
✈️ Iconic Imagery from the Golden Age of Aviation
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A gleaming Douglas DC-2 in full flight, rendered with precision and optimism
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A sweeping aerial view of the New South Wales coastline—headlands, beaches, and open sea
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Rich blues and greens conveying distance, freedom, and coastal grandeur
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Period typography and route listings grounding the artwork firmly in its historical moment
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Branding from Australian National Airways and Airlines of Australia—pioneers of domestic aviation
📐 Size Options
| Format | Dimensions (H × W) |
|---|---|
| Standard | 740 mm × 495 mm |
Original proportions preserved. Custom sizing available on request.
🎨 Premium Format Options
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📄 Paper — Printed on heavyweight 170 gsm coated paper; smooth, crisp, and ideal for framing under glass.
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🧽 Laminated — True encapsulation using 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate; durable, wipe-clean, and long-lasting.
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🪵 Laminated + Wooden Hang Rails — Natural timber rails with discreet hanging cord; ready to hang straight away.
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🖼️ Canvas — 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas printed with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks; richly textured and archival-quality.
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🪵 Canvas + Wooden Hang Rails — Premium presentation with timber rails top and bottom; effortless gallery-style display.
⏳ Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed finishes, as each is carefully assembled by our professional framer.
🎁 Ideal For
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Vintage aviation and Australian history collectors
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Lovers of pre-war transport and industrial design
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Pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts
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Interior designers seeking classic, heritage-rich wall art
🌍 A Poster That Tells a Story
Issued on the eve of the Second World War, this poster reflects the confidence and ambition of Australia’s early airline pioneers. Aircraft like the Douglas DC-2 transformed travel times, connected distant capitals, and redefined what was possible in a vast country.
This was not just advertising—it was a declaration of modernity, progress, and national connection.
🖼️ Display with Pride
Whether displayed in a study, office, aviation collection, or coastal interior, this remarkable poster delivers scale, history, and unmistakable period charm.
Historic. Expansive. Beautifully Australian. Bring the dawn of modern air travel into your space with this Douglas classic.
