From the early 1880s until the 1960s, the CPR commissioned many artists to create brochures, posters, menus and advertisements. These items were used to promote travel, immigration and settlement, war efforts, freight traffic and other services provided by the company. In early years, CPR sponsored artists – both well known and emerging talent – by providing railway passes to take them to remote scenic locations along the line, and CPR had the option to purchase works produced from these trips. In later years, CP even employed full-time graphic artists in the company’s studio in Montreal.