NEW travel posters which capture a bygone age to tourists for both Altrincham and Hale are set to form part of an exhibition at Northwich's Lion Salt Works Museum on Sunday August 6, at 2.30pm(public preview).

The 1930s railway style posters have been published to capture the many attractions of the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line and produced by the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (MCCRP) and designed by Chester based artist Nicky Thompson.

The free exhibition of 14 colourful posters, which will remain on display until September 3, are intended to evoke memories and imagery of a golden age of British travel and encourage holidaymakers in the north West and beyond to embrace the spirit of adventure by exploring the sites of the region by train.

The posters characterised by blocky vibrant colours, feature both general scenes of cities such as Chester, Manchester, Altrincham and Stockport. In addition, they intend to capture interesting sites near rail stops including Lostock Gralam features the Lion Salt Works Museum and Northwich’s stop is illustrated by the impressive ‘Cathedral of the Canals’, the Anderton Boat Lift.

Other posters include: Delamere, Knutsford and Chester Zoo.

For more information, contact the Lion Salt Works Museum on 01606 275040.

Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The railway posters of the 1930s hailed a new era of train travel and this imaginative campaign featuring fourteen railway stops on the Mid-Cheshire Railway line hopes to trigger a similar reaction.

"I think this is a marvellous initiative and an excellent way of showcasing the beautiful attractions of the region. Not only can visitors view the exhibition free-of-charge at the museum, but they can also buy their own copies of the posters and postcards.”

Sally Buttifant of MCCRP said: “It is easy when you’re on a train not to appreciate what lies just beyond the station. We hope this poster campaign will open people’s eyes and encourage them to step off the train and explore – just like the visitors did in the 1930s. Each station will feature its bright new poster and we hope commuters and rail goers will be interested and pleased by these colourful additions to the stations."

Artist Nicky Thompson said: "The posters draw on the work of Frank Henry Mason, one of the most influential poster designers of this era. In their day, these posters with their strikingly bold colours and experimental flat design were quite different and new. What is unarguable is that they were highly effective in creating an aspirational sense of adventure that drew city-dwellers to explore the countryside. I’m an Ellesmere Port lad, and as a Cheshire resident, it has been a total pleasure to produce the artwork for these posters. I hope everyone enjoys them.”