The fascinating story of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster
Here’s a piece of historical relevance
In the spring of 1939, the British government commissioned a special poster series, in an effort to boost the morale of citizens in the build up to war with Germany.
The placards had to be uniform in style and feature a simple, yet striking typeface, “making it difficult for the enemy to counterfeit.” The only graphic displayed would be the crown of King George VI, with just two colors.
Three final designs were produced, the first of which displayed the words, “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory.” The second would bare the slogan, “Freedom Is In Peril, Defend It With All Your Might.” But, it was the third design that resulted in a printing of over 2.5 million, with the simple phrase, “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
The first two designs were posted in September of the same year, appearing up and down the country in railway stations and shop windows. The “Keep Calm” posters were stored, to be used only in case of crisis or invasion. The posters were never officially issued and thus, remained unseen by the public.
It is believed the Keep Calm posters were destroyed and reduced to pulp at the end of the war in 1945.
Then, over half a century later, a copy of the poster was found at Barter Books, a second-hand shop, housed in an old Victorian train station, located in northeast corner of England.
It was inside a box of dusty old books that had been bought at auction.
Shop owners, Mary and Stuart Manley decided to display the poster, which became so popular with patrons, they chose to make copies. Since then, it has been parodied and reproduced by the millions.
Today, amid a different kind of world war, against an invisible enemy: coronavirus, the most iconic poster of the century has taken on new relevance, delivering timeless wisdom.
As the words from a short film about the poster, remind us, “Like a voice out of history, it offers a very simple warmhearted message to inspire confidence in others during difficult times. And, it’s something that should never fade from fashion..to Keep calm and carry on.”