This clever mid-century airline poster was produced for British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.), Britain’s long-haul international airline before it later became part of British Airways. Dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s, the poster promotes the speed and efficiency of air travel with the slogan 'Time is money… save it by flying B.O.A.C.'

The design uses a witty visual metaphor: a quill pen formed from stacked coins, suggesting that saving time through air travel is equivalent to saving money. This playful, conceptual approach was typical of post-war airline advertising, which often relied on graphic symbolism rather than literal images of aircraft. Posters like this were displayed in travel agencies, airline offices and transport hubs, encouraging business travellers to choose B.O.A.C. for faster intercontinental journeys across the airline’s expanding global network.

Year: 1940s

Dimensions: 102cm x 62cm 

Materials/Media: Original lithograph, linen backing in progress