Arts·GALLERY

Look at these eye-popping vintage illustrated ads for Canadian Pacific

Norman Fraser, Peter Ewart and the other artists and designers employed by Canadian Pacific ​aren't household names, but their work made an impact on the imaginations of thousands. The people behind the company's publications are receiving their moment in the sun thanks to Canadian Pacific: Creating a Brand, Building a Nation (Callisto Publishers), a book that aims to show how CP's artists developed a uniquely Canadian voice, and shaped perceptions of the nation.

New book Canadian Pacific: Creating a Brand, Building a Nation shows emerging graphic design style

Norman Fraser, Peter Ewart and the other artists and designers employed by Canadian Pacific ​aren't household names, but their work made an impact on the imaginations of thousands. The people behind the company's publications are receiving their moment in the sun thanks to Canadian Pacific: Creating a Brand, Building a Nation (Callisto Publishers), a book that aims to show how CP's artists developed a uniquely Canadian voice, and shaped perceptions of the nation.

Not only did CP build the railways linking the country together, the company also became an icon thanks to its growing empire including the sale of land to immigrants, as well as hotels and an airline that pitched Canada as a holiday destination around the globe. 

As the book's author, professor emeritus Marc H. Choko of Université du Québec à Montréal explains, "For some decades the company's tourist advertising dictated how Canada was seen, both at home and around the world."

Check out these illustrations from throughout the history of the brand in the photo gallery above, and let us know your favourite on Twitter @CBCArts.