While doing some research at work (aka: browsing Art.com) I came across some retro British posters. My curiosity was peaked and so I googled the phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On”
These 3 posters were made in the Spring/Summer of 1939 by order of the Ministry of Information. Their purpose was to strengthen British resolve during the Blitz and in case of Nazi Occupation. They were intended to be hung in Tube Stations, on bus stops, on buildings and so forth so that the public eye was littered with the message from the King. They are uniform in design with the royal crown at the head and simple san-serif capital block lettering.
The first to be hung was the light blue on the far right. “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory” This phrase was meant to be a battle cry and ended up being put to music; it is rumored people would sing this anthem while huddled together in bomb shelters.
The second to be released was the green poster in the center. “Freedom Is In Peril, Defend It With All Your Might” I find this phrase to be rather poignant in today’s circumstances where literally our personal freedom is in danger.
The third banner created is in red on the far left “Keep Calm and Carry On” This banner is what first sparked my curiosity. This banner was never released to the public. It was meant to be used only as a last resort if Great Britain fell and Nazi’s occupied England. Thinking of the color choice of red for the background, I cannot help but think of the other red banners that would have been displayed by the Nazis. Red is such a bold and powerful color that I am sure the color choice for this important message was not a coincidence. The banner was forgotten by history and only in 2000 was it rediscovered in a second-hand book shop in Northumberland. The government copy right only lasts for 50 years so the design is now public domain and it has spread like wildfire across popular culture.* This particular phrase has resonated with a lot of people, especially during the recession of the late 2000s. The image is printed on to bags, tee-shirts, posters of many different colors, mugs, doormats, even baby clothes. The poster has hung in palaces and houses of state, included 10 Downing Street.
Needless to say, I want one! There is just something SO British about this poster. The royal red of post boxes, telephone booths, and double-decker buses and the no nonsense phrasing is sentimentally British. (Stiff Upper Lip and all that Old Chap.)
*There have been facsimile designs sold where the crown is turned upside down and the text reads “Now Panic and Freak Out”
Allison Dawson
Gallery Manager/ Art Consultant
Repartee Gallery at Fort Union
1110 East Fort Union Boulevard
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 352-2569
allison@reparteegallery.com
www.reparteegallery.com