September Back to School WPA 1940 Reproduction. This vintage poster, created in 1940 by artist V. Donaghue for the Illinois WPA Art Project, serves as a classic back-to-school public announcement. The artwork features a stylized illustration of a woman holding a book and guiding a young boy towards a bookshelf. The dominant text reads “September” in a flowing script at the top, with the motivational slogan “BACK TO WORK BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO BOOKS” at the bottom. The artistic style is representative of the WPA era, employing simplified, flat shapes and a limited color palette of brown, green, orange, and cream, typical of the silkscreen printing process used for these posters. The composition is dynamic, with the figures striding forward, creating a sense of purpose and progress. The message is clear and direct, encouraging a return to education and literacy as the summer season ends, linking work, school, and reading as essential community activities. This poster is a product of the Work Projects Administration’s (WPA) Federal Art Project, a New Deal program established during the Great Depression to provide employment for artists. Artists were commissioned to create works that promoted public programs and civic values. This piece from the Chicago project is an excellent example of the WPA’s efforts to support community resources like libraries and schools, highlighting the importance of education for all citizens. Our reproduction Works Progress Administration (WPA) posters capture the spirit of American resilience and public works during a pivotal era. This classic piece highlights the artistic and social contributions of the WPA. Professionally printed by Lumber City Prints on premium quality 230gsm Matte Photo Paper, this poster is a stunning tribute to historical design. Please note: This listing is for the reproduction print only, frames are NOT included. Includes the following reproduction poster. September Back to School WPA 1940. Available in multiple sizes. 8″ x 12″ (203mm x 304mm). 11″ x 17″ (279mm x 432mm). 12″ x 18″ (304mm x 457mm). 13″ x 19″ (330mm x 482mm). 16″ x 24″ (406mm x 610mm). 18″ x 27″ (457mm x 685mm). 20″ x 30″ (508mm x 762mm). 24″ x 36″ (610mm x 914mm). 28″ x 42″ (711mm x 1067mm). 32″ x 48″ (813mm x 1219mm). 36″ x 54″ (914mm x 1372mm). 42″ x 63″ (1067mm x 1600mm). 44″ x 66″ (1118mm x 1676mm). Vintage Travel Posters: Browse collection here. Rock & Pop Posters: Browse collection here. Works Progress Administration Posters: Browse collection here. Federal Theatre Project Posters: Browse collection here. WWI & WWII Food Campaign Posters: Browse collection here. World War I Posters: Browse collection here. World War II Posters: Browse collection here. Military & Historical Posters: Browse collection here. Soviet Propaganda & Social Posters: Browse collection here. Art, Design & Film Posters: Browse collection here. Circus Posters: Browse collection here. Ocean Posters: Browse collection here. Poster Sets: Browse collection here. 1930s New York City Photography: Browse collection here. About Lumber City Prints. Lumber City Prints produces fine art prints using archival quality inks and professional Canon and Epson print equipment. Our collection of vintage images is carefully edited to repair damage, improve color quality, adjust size, and prepare for printing. Our source images are at least 300dpi to produce each print as accurately as the original. The resolution we print at is much higher quality than what is generally shown in previews. Printed with professional inks and paper. Printed borderless for a seamless, modern look. Printed from high-resolution scans to capture every detail. Printed on premium quality 230gsm 10 mil matte photo paper – an excellent choice for displaying and framing. Best price, high quality – every print is produced with care and precision! Note: These are high-quality reproduction prints, professionally restored and printed on premium paper. While we carefully enhance and clean up the images, some elements of original wear such as dust marks, scratches, pinholes, or cue marks, may remain to preserve authenticity. Note: Due to differences in display settings, actual colors may vary from what you see. Note: Any watermarks shown in the preview images are for display purposes only and will not appear on the final print. Customer service and satisfaction are our priority. Please contact me if you need any help with your order. Interested in a custom order, different size, paper type, or gallery wrap canvas? Contact me with any requests.