Godstone, London Underground 1915

Edward McKnight Kauffer’s poster captures Godstone station with bold colors. At its heart, we see the mountain, an eternal symbol across cultures. From the sacred Mount Olympus of the Greeks to the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, mountains have been seen as places where the earthly and divine meet. Note how the peak, rendered in crisp white, conveys purity and a reach towards the heavens. Yet, Kauffer places a train atop, a symbol of modernity. Consider how our perception of the mountain evolves. In ancient times, it was a natural temple; now, it is a backdrop to human industry. This shift embodies a collective memory of human progress, a powerful force engaging viewers. These forms are not linear. They echo through time, reappearing and evolving, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with nature and technology.