David Klein
American, 1918 - 2005
David Klein (1918–2005) was a pioneering American illustrator celebrated for his vibrant travel posters that encapsulated the optimism and allure of mid-20th-century air travel. Born in El Paso, Texas, Klein honed his artistic skills at the Art Center School in Los Angeles. During the 1940s, he gained prominence through his work as a Broadway illustrator, creating iconic posters for productions like The Music Man and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Klein's distinctive style caught the attention of Howard Hughes' Trans World Airlines (TWA). He produced a series of posters that became emblematic of the Jet Age, featuring bold colors and abstract representations of landmarks such as New York's Times Square, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Swiss Alps. These works not only adorned travel agencies and airports but also earned him several awards from the Society of Illustrators.
Klein's legacy endures through his contributions to travel advertising, with his posters housed in esteemed collections like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work continues to be celebrated for its artistic innovation and its role in shaping the visual culture of air travel.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Klein's distinctive style caught the attention of Howard Hughes' Trans World Airlines (TWA). He produced a series of posters that became emblematic of the Jet Age, featuring bold colors and abstract representations of landmarks such as New York's Times Square, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Swiss Alps. These works not only adorned travel agencies and airports but also earned him several awards from the Society of Illustrators.
Klein's legacy endures through his contributions to travel advertising, with his posters housed in esteemed collections like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work continues to be celebrated for its artistic innovation and its role in shaping the visual culture of air travel.
