Chicago Travel Poster: World’s Fair — A Century of Progress by Weimer Pursell, 1933
Chicago Travel Poster: World’s Fair — A Century of Progress by Weimer Pursell, 1933
Chicago World’s Fair: A Century of Progress by Weimer Pursell (1933) celebrates the energy and optimism of Chicago at the height of the Art Deco era. Created for the city’s centennial exposition, the poster invites viewers to the lakefront fairgrounds with bold geometry and streamlined grandeur. In the composition, a radiant white-and-gold tower rises from a deep blue podium, flanked by symmetrical pylons and sweeping steps that guide the eye to a reflecting lagoon. Above, a saturated red sky with layered, circular cloud forms heightens the drama, while period lettering proclaims “CHICAGO WORLD’S FAIR — MAY 27TH — NOV. 1ST” and the centennial banner “1833 A CENTURY OF PROGRESS 1933.”
Your print is produced as a museum-quality fine art reproduction by The Unique Maps Co., available on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes, from intimate to statement-making, with optional framing in hand-finished wood. We offer personalization—add a commemorative line, adjust borders for matting, or request color-matched frames—so your piece arrives ready to hang and perfectly tailored to your space.
About the artist: Weimer Pursell, born in Tennessee, moved to Chicago in the late 1920s to study at the Art Institute. He supported his training as a package designer and billboard artist, then built a successful freelance career illustrating for leading American magazines including Life, Redbook, Town & Country, Forbes, and Newsweek. Pursell became a sought-after poster artist as well, producing striking campaigns for major brands such as American Airlines, Winchester, and Coca‑Cola, and later contributing wartime propaganda—most famously “When You Ride Alone You Ride with Hitler!” His posters are distinguished by crisp silhouettes, theatrical lighting, and sophisticated color harmonies.
About the subject: The 1933 Chicago World’s Fair—titled “A Century of Progress”—marked the city’s hundredth year with a celebration of science, industry, and modern living. Set along the shoreline with lagoons, promenades, and monumental pavilions, the exposition offered a vision of technological advancement and civic pride at a time when the country was eager for hope and spectacle. Pursell’s image distills that message: vertical forms symbolize aspiration, while the parade of visitors and pleasure craft at the water’s edge captures the fair as a democratic festival.
Why this print stands out: The palette—dominant reds offset by lemony yellows and richly saturated blues—creates a memorable Art Deco triad that reads beautifully on the wall. The poster’s geometry is impeccably balanced: the central tower’s glowing vertical thrust, the tiered staircases, and the mirrored lagoon form a rhythmic, architectural symmetry. The typography itself is a collectible feature, with faceted letterforms that echo the streamlined architecture. Displayed at scale, the work brings the glamour of 1930s poster design and a strong sense of place to any room—ideal for lovers of Chicago, architecture, and vintage design.
This fine art print makes a thoughtful gift for Chicago natives, architecture buffs, and anyone who has strolled the lakefront or has family ties to the city—perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, graduations, Father’s or Mother’s Day, Christmas, or as a memento for someone who has recently traveled to Chicago or toured the historic fairgrounds.
If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.