Poster; City, by Edward Bawden, 1952

This poster was designed by Edward Bawden in 1952. It was commissioned by London Transport to promote the City sights. The poster was designed in two halves, this half for the image and another purely for text. 'Pair posters' like this were intended for prime sites such as Underground station entrances. The format offered both the artist and the copywriter more freedom. Bawden's assemblage of architectural landmarks from the City's square mile includes the Old Bailey, the Monument, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Leadenhall market. The only direct reference to London Transport can be seen at the very bottom of the poster. The eye of the pigeon is actually a roundel, suggesting that the sightseeing service offered by London Transport is second only to a bird's eye view.