John Hassall’s Brilliant Posters From the Turn of the Century

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John Hassall (1868–1948) was a celebrated British illustrator and poster artist, renowned for his bold, colorful style and widespread influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a central figure in what is often called the Golden Age of British Illustration, contributing significantly to the rise of commercial poster art.

Trained in Antwerp and Paris, Hassall brought a European flair to his work, combining strong lines, flat colors, and a sense of humor that appealed to a wide audience. Beyond posters, he illustrated children’s books, magazines, and advertisements, and his work was admired for its clarity, charm, and accessibility.

In 1901, Hassall became a founding member of the London Sketch Club, and later taught at the Byam Shaw School of Art, mentoring a new generation of illustrators. Here’s a curated selection of John Hassall’s most brilliant poster designs from the turn of the century.