Collection: WPA Poster Project

WPA Poster Project – American Modernism with Purpose and Personality

Discover the bold, functional beauty of the WPA Poster Project, an extraordinary collection of American public art created during the Great Depression. Commissioned by the Works Progress Administration between 1936 and 1943, these posters were more than decorative—they were tools of civic engagement, public health, and education. Today, they stand as iconic examples of modernist design, rich in historical context and graphic clarity.

At Posterton, we carefully restore each WPA poster to maintain its original textures, colors, and imperfections. Every design is preserved with respect to the historical medium, ensuring its cultural integrity and artistic character.

These prints combine minimal shapes with strong typography, blending function and form into an aesthetic that still resonates today. The WPA’s graphic artists championed a new visual language—clear, informative, and bold. Their work promoted everything from library programs and theater events to conservation efforts and public health campaigns, making art accessible to the everyday citizen. These pieces bring not just visual impact but also the quiet dignity of purpose-driven design.