Wednesday 2 March 2011

The story behind the iconic WWII poster.

We've all seen this poster, I have a version of it on my sidebar.

keep-calm-and-carry-on-poster-215x300

Along with the rest of the world I really like it.  I knew it was a WWII poster and that was about all I knew.  However I've recently discovered its full story.  Which, in a nutshell, is as follows:

2.5 million copies of the poster were printed to stiffen public resolve in the event of a national invasion.  All remained in storage until one copy was found 60 years later at the bottom of a box of books bought at auction.  The bookseller put the poster up in his shop and its message of reassurance has since become iconic.

I found this information on the back of a birthday card I bought from Marks & Spencer and decided to delve a bit deeper into it on the internet.  If you're interested here's a link to the poster's full history on the website of the bookstore where it was found.  Fascinating stuff.

For some reason it really pleased me to discover this little bit of information and so I'm linking to Dayle's blog for this weeks Simple Pleasures.

Kathleen.

16 comments:

jennyfreckles said...

Thank you - this is a good reminder in the face of some unwelcome news I've had today about a loved one. I'll put the kettle on!

Lynn said...

Great poster, I love all of the different versions out now. Thanks for the history:@)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is interesting. thanks for sharing it.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

How interesting...I will be checking it out and sharing with my kids...great simple pleasure

Debbie said...

I just learned something new! Thanks. I do love that poster/saying and really need to keep one on the wall of my home.

Seriously...

Ms.Daisy said...

Kathleen,
I loved reading the history of this poster...I have always admired the resolve of the British poeple in the face of bombings and the threat of invasion. The poster is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us for Simple Pleasures.


~Jean

Trish said...

Kathleen,
thanks for telling us the story behind that great poster.
It's amazing how a few words can convey strength and hope, isn't it?!
I've always liked that poster.
It reminds me of Padre Pio's famous advice.."Pray, hope and don't worry."
blessings..Trish

Sue said...

Thank you for sharing this information. I will check this site.
Thank you visiting me and for taking the time to leave such a sweet note.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Kathleen - that is such an interesting story and a message that is applicable for today also.

Certainly the bookseller found a treasure.

Blessings,
Joan

Anonymous said...

So in the face of a national invasion, keep calm. Works for me. ;)

Thanks for stopping by earlier. So you've never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? I never really liked them growing up but after becoming a mom I began eating them and 22 years later I eat them more the grown up kids. ;)

Don't you just love simple pleasures? My favorite. Hope to see you next week. Much love!

Canadagirl said...

Thank you so much for sharing this and the link. I have wondered for a long time what it was about and I can't wait to follow the link. *grin* I need to have a poster of this in my home, lol. It gets chaotic at times in my little home.

Blessings<><
-Mary

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Kathleen,
What an interesting piece of history. Thanks for sharing. I love quirky facts like this.
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I love this, Kathleen. Just the kind of unique simple pleasures that make me smile whenever I mingle through all of the nice people who come to my party. My husband will definitely be interested in the link. He's a history buff and expecially WWII. I'm so glad you shared this.

Betsy Brock said...

Oh yes, I love it too and did a post on it a couple of years ago. And it's on my sidebar! Fascinating story and I love the reminder of it in my crazy world.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

this is a great poster and with the wonderful success of 'The King's Speech' I am sure that the interest in all things during that time has increased. Fascinating story.

And, thank you for finding the time to visit me and leave such a nice comment. Hope that you have a great day!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Kathleen -- how interesting. I didn't realize there was history behind the poster. Good advice indeed! The Lake District in your area sure is breathtaking. The images I captured in Sri Lanka sure don't properly portray all the beauty that surrounded us on a daily basis. How lovely that your sister will visit in June. Arkansas of all places! I am originally from Mississipi and my dad used to live in a very small town in Arkansas. Hope you are having a great day. Blessings, Tammy