1929 Chicago New York Central Lines Leslie Ragan

Date: 1929
Artist: Ragan, Leslie               
Size (in): 41” x 27” 
Size (cm): 104.1 x 68.6
Condition: A-
Linen backed: Yes 

This spectacular Art Deco style poster advertising Chicago as a travel destination is the first of several posters created by the artist Leslie Ragan (1897-1972) for the New York Central Railroad.  For this poster Ragan renders a painterly image of Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue illuminated by midday sun reflecting off a massive thunder cloud rising over the Wiloughby and Montgomery Ward towers.  The city’s original Peristyle, a semicircular structure of paired Roman Doric style columns designed by Edward H. Bennett and erected in Grant Park in 1917, can be seen in the image.  This structure was razed in 1953 but a nearly full-size replica of it known as the Millenium Monument was erected in 2002 and still stands today in Chicago’s Wrigley Square.  The lower right corner indicates this poster was printed by the Latham Litho. & Ptg. Co., Long Island City, New York. 

This is truly one of the most desirable and sought-after of all Chicago travel posters.   This vintage original poster has been professionally conservation mounted to linen with some expert touch up as needed including repair to a few short tears and small nicks on the margins.  A crease to the lower left corner has been carefully mitigated during the linen backing process and original fold lines show slightly after linen backing.   Interested buyers are welcome to contact us for photos of the poster prior to linen backing.   The original colors are retained, the poster displays beautifully and overall condition is very good.