4th Jul, 2024 10:00
The Militaria Auction
Keep Calm and Carry On (1939) Second World War propaganda poster
Keep Calm and Carry On (1939) Second World War propaganda poster, lithographic poster in colours, published by the Ministry of Information, printed by His Majesty's Stationary Office, size 38.0cms x 50.5cms.
Notes: This poster has now become one of the most famous propaganda icons of World War II, and the irony is that the poster was never displayed in public. In September 1939, 'Keep Calm' and two other letterpress posters had been put into production, 'Freedom is in Peril...' and 'Your Courage...' were displayed in public places, but the third - now recognised the world over with the unforgettable slogan - was not. It is now widely accepted that it was held back in anticipation of an invasion of Britain by the enemy or a severe air raid. The 'Phoney War', the period of September 1939 to May 1940, proved to be largely uneventful for the home front, and a change in attitude to the wording probably contributed to the poster never being used.
Provenance: The vendor's late husband was a young constable at a station in Suffolk after the war. He was asked to clear these out of a cupboard and he requested to keep them instead. They have lain flat and untouched since, and are now being offered for auction. To our knowledge it is the first time this poster has been offered in three sizes in one auction.
Condition: Slight printing flaw to top. Otherwise perfect.
Sold for £2,500
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Auction: The Militaria Auction, 4th Jul, 2024
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