Retro collectibles from the golden age of travel

Now an annual event in its 16th year, Christie's will hold the world's only dedicated Ski Sale at South Kensington in London on January 22nd.

The auction features vintage travel posters and Louis Vuitton luggage from the golden age of travel. The ski tourism posters were produced during the early 20th century as the first resorts competed to be recognised as the most glamorous, with some of the finest designers and artists commissioned to create stylish advertisements urging holiday-makers to visit.

The most desirable examples were made for the Swiss Alpine resorts which were among the world’s most expensive and exclusive destinations. Prices are, inevitably, elevated. For example, a colour lithograph, made in 1913 to promote Gstaad’s luxurious Royal Hotel & Winter Palace, printed by Marsens & Boivin, Lausanne, is estimated at £15,000-£20,000 (€18,000-€24,000). The sale also features a selection of Louis Vuitton trunks and suitcases, in monogram, striped and checkerboard styles, with estimates from £800-£7,000 (€966-€8,500).