EXTREMELY Rare Original 1959 BEA and Cambrian Airways Belfast Aviation Framed Poster

A very scarce and possibly the last example of an original British aviation advertising poster dating precisely to the winter of 1959–1960, promoting travel to Belfast with British European Airways (BEA) and Cambrian Airways via Manchester.

This is not a modern reproduction. The poster advertises the period fare:

“NEW REDUCED FARE £11.18s RETURN”

and is specifically dated:

“FROM NOV. 1st, 1959 TO MARCH 31st, 1960 INC.”

The striking mid-century design features BELFAST and CARDIFF–BRISTOL connected by the large directional-arrow motif, together with the original BEA and CAMBRIAN branding.

A particularly interesting moment in British aviation history

The date is significant. BEA acquired a one-third interest in Cambrian Airways in 1958, and following serious financial difficulties at Cambrian, the airline was relaunched in March 1959 using three Pionair/Dakota aircraft leased from BEA. Contemporary aviation records document the renewed Cardiff/Bristol operations and Cambrian’s Manchester services during this period.

This poster therefore dates from the first year of the revived BEA-backed Cambrian operation, making it much more than simply an attractive vintage airline poster.

Exceptionally scarce design

I have carried out extensive searches of online auction records, vintage-poster dealers and aviation archives and have not located another example of this particular Belfast / BEA / Cambrian / Cardiff-Bristol design.

I cannot claim it is unique, but its absence from the usual online archives suggests that this particular short-lived fare poster is extremely scarce.

Unlike general destination advertising intended to remain in use, this poster advertised a fare valid for only five months, becoming obsolete after 31 March 1960.

Condition

The poster is approximately 66 years old and is sold in genuine vintage condition.

There are substantial historic fold lines and creasing, together with cracking/splitting along some folds, age toning and edge wear. These are clearly visible in the detailed photographs and have been reflected in the asking price.

Importantly, the principal design remains complete and highly presentable: the wonderful blue ground retains considerable impact, the BEA/Cambrian branding remains strong and the Belfast, Cardiff-Bristol, fare and dating information are all clearly legible.

Currently presented behind glass in a large black frame and makes a fantastic statement piece.

An excellent piece for a collector of:

Irish / Northern Irish memorabilia • Belfast history • aviation • BEA • Cambrian Airways • British Airways history • mid-century graphic design • transport advertising • vintage travel posters

A 1955 BEA poster at Millon carried a €1,500–€3,000 auction estimate in 2025, demonstrating how high desirable examples can be positioned.

N.B. If this current poster is the last of its kind and professionally restored, ‘the sky could be the limit’…

Reasonable offers considered.

Collection preferred due to the size and glazed frame. Further photographs and measurements available on request.