Stick No Bills® is proud to present this stunning series, which offers a glimpse into the rich history of American aviation, tourism and the enduring appeal of the iconic Pan Am brand.
Pan Am: A symbol of the American dream
Pan American Airways, or Pan Am as it was known the world over, was once the world's largest international airline. Founded in 1927 by two US Army Air Corps majors, the airline started by flying an airmail and passenger service between Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba. Under the leadership of Juan Trippe the airline purchased a fleet of flying boats and focused on expanding its routes to Central and South America. By the mid-20th century, the airline was the unofficial flag carrier for the United States, enjoying a near monopoly on international routes and leading the aircraft industry into the Jet Age with its Boeing 707 and 747 jetliners. This fleet allowed Pan Am to fly more people to more places while making fewer stops than its rivals; their hub at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York thus became synonymous with jet-setting international travellers. At its peak in 1970, the airline flew 11 million passengers to 86 countries, with destinations on every continent except Antarctica.
Pan Am: new horizons for brand iconography
With its iconic blue and white logo, coupled with its fleet of sleek aeroplanes, typography, colour-scheme and cutting-edge staff uniforms and amenities, the Pan Am brand became synonymous with American innovation and exploration. Pan Am's advertising campaigns were pioneering, pushing the boundaries of slick design across the board matched with exciting storytelling. By portraying exotic destinations and glamorous lifestyles, the airline successfully cultivated a brand image that was both aspirational and accessible, cementing its status as an icon of the skies.
Iconic Posters: A Visual Journey
Pan Am's advertising campaigns were as innovative as the airline itself. The posters created for these campaigns were more than just marketing tools; they were created to be veritable works of art that captured the spirit of adventure and the allure of far-off destinations. The posters often featured striking images of exotic locales, coupled with evocative slogans that promised a whole world of possibilities.
These posters played a significant role in shaping American culture, inspiring generations of travellers, fuelling dreams of exotic vacations and helping to solidify the notion of the ‘American Dream’ where anyone could reach for the stars and travel the world. The posters became popular collectibles, sought after by aviation enthusiasts and art lovers alike and so it was that so many are now held by private and institutional archives like those Stick No Bills® has worked with to create this seminal collection.
The Legacy of Pan Am
While Pan Am ceased operations in 1991, its legacy lives on. The airline's iconic posters continue to inspire and captivate audiences all over the world, and the brand is still studied and celebrated for its timeless appeal. This new collection created under licence by Stick No Bills® offers a unique opportunity to own an official piece of this remarkable aviation history and recreate its magic on your walls.
The Artists Behind the Posters - the graphic art heroes of the golden age of advertising
The Pan Am poster art collection features work by renowned artists such as Paul George Lawler, Edward McKnight Kauffer, Aaron Fine, Jean Carlu, and Aaron Amspoker.
These talented individuals created visually stunning and memorable posters that helped to establish Pan Am’s reputation as a leader in the aviation industry; works of art that still resonate today.
Discover the Pan Am Poster Collection
The Pan Am poster collection from Stick No Bills® is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts, art collectors, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of vintage advertising. Explore the collection and experience the enduring appeal of the Pan Am brand. Explore the Stick No Bills vintage Pan Am poster artwork collection today.
