Frans Mettes - Mes & Bronkhorst - Doorkruist ons land met een 8-daagsch abonnement - 1930s

Rare Original Dutch Railways Poster – Frans Mettes – 1939 – “8-Day Railway Pass”

A beautiful and authentic pre-war Dutch Railways advertising poster from 1939, designed by the celebrated Dutch graphic artist Frans Mettes (1909–1984), one of the most influential figures in Dutch commercial poster design.

Entitled “Doorkruist ons land met een 8-daagsch abonnement” (Explore Our Country with an 8-Day Railway Pass), this striking poster captures the golden age of Dutch railway travel, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Historical and Artistic Significance

Created for the Nederlandsche Spoorwegen (NS), the poster promoted an eight-day railway pass allowing passengers to explore the Netherlands for just 15 Dutch guilders in third class.

The remarkable design features an enormous stylised number eight, framing a streamlined Dutch diesel train travelling through a colourful landscape of traditional Dutch windmills, church towers and blossoming trees.

Its bold composition, vivid colours and elegant typography are characteristic of the Art Deco-influenced advertising style of the late 1930s.

Frans Mettes was responsible for numerous iconic Dutch advertising posters, and his original railway designs remain appreciated by collectors of historic graphic art and railway memorabilia.

The historical importance of this particular design is reflected in its continued recognition: it has even been recreated as a large public mural in Zwolle, the Netherlands.

Poster Details

- **Title:** Doorkruist ons land met een 8-daagsch abonnement
- **Artist:** Frans Mettes (1909–1984)
- **Year:** 1939
- **Publisher:** Nederlandsche Spoorwegen (NS)
- **Printer:** Mes & Bronkhorst, Haarlem
- **Original dimensions:** Approximately 100 × 61.5 cm
- **Country:** Netherlands
- **Condition:** B+ (Good)

Condition and Authenticity

This is a genuine original 1939 printing, preserved on its original, unbacked paper, not a modern reproduction.

Despite being more than 85 years old, the poster retains its beautiful original colours and a largely intact central illustration.

There are small visible signs of age, including minor creases, slight edge wear and some localised paper damage, particularly along the margins.

The poster has not been linen-backed and retains its original paper character.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

A Special Piece of Dutch Railway Heritage

This poster is much more than a decorative advertisement. It represents a fascinating moment in Dutch transport history, when modern streamlined trains symbolised progress, freedom and the growing accessibility of leisure travel.

Combining Frans Mettes' celebrated graphic design, a striking pre-war railway illustration and authentic period printing, this is a distinctive collector's piece for enthusiasts of vintage travel posters, Art Deco design, Dutch railway history and European advertising art.

An eye-catching original from 1939, celebrating the golden age of Dutch railway travel and preserved on its original paper for more than 85 years.