Pilot - Before Text

This WWII poster by McClelland Barclay is innovative in its use of perspective. Notice how the average American hands the pilot his measuring device from our angle as though they are us! This poster was likely a proof, with text to be added later.

McClelland Barclay (1891-1943) was a popular magazine cover artist during the 1920's and 1930's. He is known for his pin up model, the "Fisher Body Girl", based on his young wife. His clients outside the publishing industry also included many of the top brands, such as Texaco, Camel, and General Motors. Due to his popularity in pinup illustration, he earned a position as judge for the 1936 Miss America Pageant. Barclay created many recruitment posters for the Navy, which he had also done during WWI. He also designed camouflage for uniforms, ships, and airplanes, but is most known for his recruitment posters. When America entered the war in 1940, Barclay signed up for active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy at age 49. He continued his poster design work from the battlefield, traveling to different areas of combat to photograph and sketch from real life conflicts. He died while aboard the U.S.S. LST-342, which was torpedoed in 1943 in the Solomon Islands. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.