A new book published by Imperial War Museums tells the story behind Britain's famous "Keep Calm" poster, which was designed in 1939 as a piece of war propaganda. Printed in 2.5 million copies, it was never actually used and was rediscovered in 2001 by the owner of a second-hand bookshop in the north of England.
A new book published by Imperial War Museums tells the story behind Britain's famous "Keep Calm" poster, which was designed in 1939 as a piece of war propaganda. Printed in 2.5 million copies, it was never actually used and was rediscovered in 2001 by the owner of a second-hand bookshop in the north of England.
© IWM
The poster was part of a series of three. The "Freedom is in Peril" design made up 12 percent of the print run and was immediately used.
The poster was part of a series of three. The "Freedom is in Peril" design made up 12 percent of the print run and was immediately used.
© IWM
Third in the series was the "Your Courage" design, which was used for 23 percent of the distribution. It was heavily criticized for disassociating the civilian from the government, offering a "You" vs "Us" perspective.
Third in the series was the "Your Courage" design, which was used for 23 percent of the distribution. It was heavily criticized for disassociating the civilian from the government, offering a "You" vs "Us" perspective.
© IWM
This design, using the color blue, was approved by the War Office just after war was declared in 1939 and displayed largely in licensed pubs, docks and harbors, fighting services and Civil Defence regions.
This design, using the color blue, was approved by the War Office just after war was declared in 1939 and displayed largely in licensed pubs, docks and harbors, fighting services and Civil Defence regions.
© IWM
The designs had a very modern and sleek look that was in contrast with most propaganda posters of the time. This one from 1915, for World War I, depicted Saint George, a national symbol common to several of the combatants in the War.
The designs had a very modern and sleek look that was in contrast with most propaganda posters of the time. This one from 1915, for World War I, depicted Saint George, a national symbol common to several of the combatants in the War.
© IWM
This poster from the same period was designed on behalf of the Ministry of Food to raise awareness of the avoidance of waste.
This poster from the same period was designed on behalf of the Ministry of Food to raise awareness of the avoidance of waste.
© IWM
A view of Piccadilly Circus, London, at the height of World War II in 1942. Eros can be seen in the foreground, sand-bagged and covered in War Savings posters and the Criterion Restaurant is visible on the right. The buildings are covered with advertisements.
A view of Piccadilly Circus, London, at the height of World War II in 1942. Eros can be seen in the foreground, sand-bagged and covered in War Savings posters and the Criterion Restaurant is visible on the right. The buildings are covered with advertisements.
© IWM