This World War II UK Ministry of Information poster has enjoyed a revival in popularity, but I wonder if many know the story behind this iconic design piece?
The MOI, who was responsible for UK domestic propaganda and communications during the Second World War, was tasked in 1939 to create some moral boosting posters to keep the nation’s chin up. The design brief was that they needed to be similar in style and to feature the crest of King George VI and a simple font. Target Audience – a miserable Britain.
There were 3 posters created to be used in public places such as the underground and shop windows. The first two were used widely but the last one, Keep Calm and Carry On, was only to be used if Germany actually invaded the UK. As that didn’t happen, sadly it was just used on some internal noticeboards and never saw the light of day…
Until 2000 when a bookseller from Barter Books stumbled across the 3rd poster in a collection of books from an auction. The finder framed the poster and placed near the till in their shop where it got so much attention they printed it and began to sell to people.
The print gained even more popularity as the recession hit the UK as its calming message spoke to the British people and their ‘get on with it’ mentality. As the print is un-copyrightable, many people have now jumped on the bandwagon to produce merchandise with the statement but you can find the original store (and the best prices!) here.
The great thing though about the fact that it is not copyrighted is that people have been able to take the design and make their own messages. Here are some of the best from the web:
Click on the below links to buy some of your very own ‘Keep Calm & Carry On’ inspiration :
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the best))
I would have thought it was 1939, not 1959.
Good Catch! Typo fixed
Hi, chanced upon your site while researching the “Keep Calm and Carry On” graphic for a mailshot that I’m designing.
Can I make a quick suggestion? (Hope so, cos here it is, and really not wishing to sound rude or anything…) although your site looks very neat and classy, it could benefit from more contrast between the text and its background. Also, your text (nice font, btw) is a wee bit tiny.
Hope this comes across as constructive!
Now carry on!
Bye-bye,
Alastair
(in England).
Hey Alistair, Just thought you’d like to know I’ve had a wee blog re-design and finally found a font I love! Thanks for your feedback! Sarah
Ouch!!!!!!! This small font is so verryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy painful to read.
Help.
Otherwise, great writing!
Hi Bri! I have tried to increase font size… looks great on a Mac but not sure on a PC. Hope it helps!
great article, i had no idea that poster was never used until i landed here!
I learnt something tonight! How interesting is the story behind this! Thanks
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