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

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.

Tiller Troupe, circa 1890

Little Bo-Peep, circa 1894

Aladdin, circa 1895

The Gay Grisette, by George Dance, 1895

Newmarket, 12 Poppy, The Musical Comedy, Mr. Alexander Loftus's Musical Comedy Company, 1896

Newmarket, Mr. Alexander Loftus's Musical Comedy Company, 1896

D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, circa 1897

"The French Maid", circa 1898

A Runaway Girl Gaiety Theatre London, 1898

Cinderella, 1898

Cinderella, The Poster, July 1898

Little Red Riding Hood, 1898

Mr. Morell's & Mr. Mouillot's Company in "A Greek Slave", from Daly's Theatre, London, 1898

The Poster, July 1898

The Shop Girl, circa 1898

Vaudeville Theater, circa 1898

"His Master's Voice" or why the dinner was late, 1899

A Daisy, circa 1900

Circol Artistich. Exposicio de cartells organisada per en Lluís Plandiura, circa 1902

Barcelone séjour d’hiver, 1906

No need to ask a policeman, London Underground, 1908

"The Sisters Tell Cinderella What Happened at the Ball", circa 1910

Cailler, Milch - Chocolade, circa 1910

Suffragette's Home, circa 1910

3,000,000 Belgians are destitute in Belgium. They must not starve. Support the local fund, 1915

Belgian Canal Boat Fund for the relief of the civil population behind the firing lines. Send them something, 1915

St David's Day, Welsh Flag Day, 1918

Boy with Pail and Cow in Barn, Fairy Tales from Wonderland, circa 1920

John Gilpin, 1920

Sleeping Beauty, circa 1920