Classic travel posters from the early part of the 20th century have gone on display at an exhibition celebrating the Thames.

Elmbridge Council hosts the exhibition at the Civic Centre in Esher High Street to highlight the area’s history with the river, which flows through parts of the borough.

The posters, which date from 1910 to the 1930s, depict the river in locations such as East Molesey and Thames Ditton, as well as in places only a short journey from Elmbridge, such as Richmond.

The posters were used at the time by London Transport, to encourage people to leave the city and make use of its tranquil surroundings.

They were created by distinguished artists, including the Modernist and First World War painter Christopher Nevinson.

The 21st century is also on show, with posters of the riverside designed by year 5 pupils from Hurst Park School in West Molesey on display.

On Thursday, June 9, on the eve of the exhibition’s opening, the mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor John Sheldon, awarded prizes to three students whose work was included.

The free exhibition, which runs until Friday, June 24, and was jointly arranged by the council and the Thames Landscape Strategy (TLS).

The TLS works with other organisations to preserve, protect and enhance the river and recently agreed with the council to extend the part of the Thames it covers to include the whole of Elmbridge.

Councillor Simon Dodsworth, portfolio holder for regulatory affairs at the council, said: “Elmbridge Council is delighted to host this exhibition to celebrate both the Thames and its unique landscape and our long standing partnership with the Thames Landscape Strategy.”

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