1947 The Crooked Spire Britain Poster, Chesterfield, Travel Association United Kingdom, travel tourism, holiday vacation wall art decor

1947 The Crooked Spire Britain Poster, Chesterfield, Travel Association United Kingdom, travel tourism, holiday vacation wall art decor

This is a 1947 Chesterfield Church of St Mary and All Saints travel poster from the British Travel Association to promote tourism in Britain.
Chesterfield Parish Church is an Anglican church dedicated to Saint Mary and All Saints, located in the town of Chesterfield in Derbyshire, England. Predominantly dating back to the 14th century, the church is a Grade I listed building and is most known for its twisted and leaning spire, an architectural phenomenon which has led to the church being given the common byname of the Crooked Spire. It is the largest church in Derbyshire.
The spire was added in the 14th-century tower in about 1362, and is 228 feet high. It is both twisted and leaning, twisting 45 degrees and leaning 9 ft 6 in from its true centre. The twisting of the spire was caused by the lead that covers the spire. The lead causes this twisting phenomenon, because when the sun shines during the day the south side of the tower heats up, causing the lead there to expand at a greater rate than that of the north side of the tower, resulting in unequal expansion and contraction. This was compounded by the weight of the lead (approximately 33 tonnes) which the spire's bracing was not originally designed to bear. Using unseasoned wood could have contributed to a smaller extent. As wood seasons, or dries, it twists and distorts. Although this distortion is generally accounted for in the construction process, distortion still occurs and varies depending on the type of lumber used and how it is cut.
Printed by Clarke & Cherwell. Photo is by Val Doone.
Dimensions: 30 in x 20 in (77cm x 51 cm)

The British Travel Association was formed in 1929, but these posters are from 1947/48 to coincide with the 1948 Olympic Games in London in an effort to bring international tourism to what was a United Kingdom rebuilding after the Second World War.

Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.

When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.

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