This private collection of vintage tourism posters is on show at a new location in Folkestone Harbour. Some date from before World War 1, but the majority date from the Golden Age of Posters, from 1920 to the 1960s.
The posters have been collected and curated by Paul Rennie from Rennies on The Old High Street.
There are many posters that are related to the town; some are resort posters, others are service posters for the railways showing the routes towards London and the Continent. There are other posters related to the First World War.
These posters are an early example of art beyond the gallery. The collaboration of resort, railway company, artists and printers working on each set of posters show more than just a commercial interest in the posters. Each contribution was more than necessary, creating truly beautiful artworks.
Folkestone was a gateway to the continent, but also to London. The railway made Folkestone the destination town it was in the 1900s, and without it, Folkestone would never have been more than a sleepy fishing village.
The railway was also instrumental in Folkestone’s downturn at the end of that century. With the coming of the Channel Tunnel, it put paid to the ferry services from the Harbour. The boat-train service ceased and the town was in a bit of hiatus for a while. Then, again, thanks to the railway and the regeneration work, the High Speed link to London has helped revitalised the town.
The Folkestone Poster 2025 Exhibition opens at the end of July for the summer and early autumn.
**11am - 5pm **
until 19 October 2025