• Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British, 1887-1965)

    Careless Talk Costs Lives

    Lithographic posters c1940 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) Set of eight and individual posters available, please call for current stock. Further biographical details and items by Fougasse are available here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • In an Air Raid... How to fight a fire World War 2 Vintage Poster

    30x20" [HMSO, London] nd. np. A householder, dressed in a tie, is shown spraying water onto a fire, as his wife pumps water out of a bucket using a stirrup hand pump. Instructions are given to call the Fire Brigade if the fire cannot be extinguished. Householders are warned to clear away inflammable lumber from attics and top-floors, in advance. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally excellent, slight edge wear as usual.
  • Out of stock

    Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British, 1887-1965) Careless Talk Costs Lives

    Lithographic poster c.1940 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) The cartoonist Fougasse, was a British cartoonist who was art editor of Punch 1937-1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters both for the Ministry of Information, London Underground and others. The Ministry of Information’s wartime poster campaign was soon regarded as dull and uninspiring on account of its hectoring messages such as ‘Keep Calm and Carry On.’ There were posters telling the population how to conduct virtually every minute of their daily lives – for instance by saving old clothes for rags, turning off the lights, saving food, digging for victory, or watching out for spies. With this instruction overload the population ceased paying attention to the posters, so Fougasse offered his services to the Ministry of Information unpaid, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to serious messages. An amusing picture and a pithy caption helped to get the message across to the reader. His distinctive style, with the red border, was adopted by other Ministry artists. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent.
  • Out of stock

    Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British, 1887-1965) Careless Talk Costs Lives III

    Lithographic poster c.1940 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) Reprinted by the IV Army Corps by the 103rd Engineers Lacking the normal Fougasse edition, the IV Army Corps commissioned their Engineers - the 103rd Engineers - to produce their own edition. Indescribably rare, one of the ones in this series is inscribed 'To Al, with sincerest regards Warren C Guggenheim'. The cartoonist Fougasse, was a British cartoonist who was art editor of Punch 1937-1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters both for the Ministry of Information, London Underground and others. The Ministry of Information’s wartime poster campaign was soon regarded as dull and uninspiring on account of its hectoring messages such as ‘Keep Calm and Carry On.’ There were posters telling the population how to conduct virtually every minute of their daily lives – for instance by saving old clothes for rags, turning off the lights, saving food, digging for victory, or watching out for spies. With this instruction overload the population ceased paying attention to the posters, so Fougasse offered his services to the Ministry of Information unpaid, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to serious messages. An amusing picture and a pithy caption helped to get the message across to the reader. His distinctive style, with the red border, was adopted by other Ministry artists. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good, a few very soft creases as normal.
  • Dig for Victory over Want World War II public information

    11x18cm for His Majesty's Stationery Office HMSO On gummed paper   Printed on gummed paper, this was designed to be widely propagated, so that the public information message would not get lost. With food having to be shipped over the U-Boat infested Atlantic putting sailors' lives and ships at risk, every scrap of food that could be grown at home saved lives and allowed munitions to be transported instead. Therefore the Government started a large public information campaign to Dig for Victory - encouraging people to dig up their gardens and grow food. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.  
  • Anon.

    Safety comes in cans

    British Safety Council Lithographic Poster c. 1970s or 1980s 40x25cm Health and Safety amusement with the "I can, you can, we can" catchphrase. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • What to Eat and Why

    Original Poster 51x76cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk  or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British 1887-1965)

    Noise Almost Always Annoys

    Lithographic poster c1940 29.5 x 19.6 cm (11.5 x 7.5 in) printed by Fosh & Cross Ltd. “Published by King Edward’s Hospital Fund for London from a drawing kindly presented by Fougasse. No. 6. F&C Ltd.” Further biographical details and items by Fougasse are available here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Porto-Service, Chicago Bring Home the Bacon - three little hams who gotta be cured!

    Lithograph 26.5x18cm 1942 What better writing paper to send to a serving serviceman than that encouraging him to fight. Porto-Service of Chicago published a series of illustrated writing resources for sweethearts and friends to write to their brave servicemen, in this case teasing the three Axis dictators. Lavishly produced and printed, the Americans brought some much-needed colour and glamour to dull war-torn Britain. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • No more Fuel Hogs

    Steam, Gas, Heat, all under control. Fuel Efficiency Pays Lithographic poster c. 1940 Printed for HMSO by Chromoworks Limited and issued by the Ministry of Fuel and Power 37x24cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Don't leave it all to your fuel watcher

    Keep on helping him to save HEAT STEAM POWER LIGHT Lithographic poster c. 1940 for HMSO by W R Royle & Son and issued by the Ministry of Fuel and Power 38x25cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clive Uppton (1911-2006)

    Save Fuel at Work: Shut that Door! Hold the Heat - Save Fuel

    Lithographic poster c. 1940 37x25cm Uptton was a widely-published artist, political cartoonist of the Daily Sketch and Sunday Graphic from 1940-42. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.ukor call us on 07929 749056.
  • Save Fuel in the Kitchens

    Lithographic poster c. 1940 37x25cm Printed for HMSO by Nathaniel Lloyd and Co for the Ministry of Fuel and Power Energy was urgently needed to make bombs and fuel the vehicles of war. Britons were endlessly exhorted to save fuel; a message that has no less resonance today. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.ukor call us on 07929 749056.
  • Ambulance and First Aid Section

    Lithographic poster probably c. 1940s 36x23cm First established in 1935 the Civil Defence Department was essential for maintaining order during air raids. Here a glamorous young lady - presumably unable to join the army - is volunteering to 'do her bit' by driving an ambulance. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.ukor call us on 07929 749056.
  • Allan Carter

    He can spare a little blood - Blood Donors are Urgently Needed

    Lithographic poster c. 1940s 38x25cm Printed for HMSO by Sanders Phillips & Co. The Scottish Blood Transfusion Association If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.ukor call us on 07929 749056.
  • Join QARANC - Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps

    The Army looks to you to look after the Army

    Lithographic poster c. 1940s 38x25cm Printed for HMSO by Fosh & Kosh Limited, London and prepared for the War Office by the Central Office of Information. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.ukor call us on 07929 749056.
  • Porto-Service, Chicago Keep 'em Running Right off the Map!

    Lithograph 26.5x18cm 1942 What better writing paper to send to a serving serviceman than that encouraging him to fight. Porto-Service of Chicago published a series of illustrated writing resources for sweethearts and friends to write to their brave servicemen, in this case teasing the three Axis dictators. Lavishly produced and printed, the Americans brought some much-needed colour and glamour to dull war-torn Britain. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Very good.
  • Porto-Service, Chicago Give them "Hell-o from us!"

    Lithograph 26.5x18cm 1942 What better writing paper to send to a serving serviceman than one encouraging him to fight. Porto-Service of Chicago published a series of illustrated writing resources for sweethearts and friends to write to their brave servicemen, in this case in a four-engined bomber over Berlin. Lavishly produced and printed, the Americans brought some much-needed colour and glamour to dull war-torn Britain. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Very good.
  • Printed for H.M. Stationery Office, c.1943

    If your journey is REALLY necessary and you can choose your times… travel between 10 and 4

    Issued by the Ministry of War Transport and the Ministry of Labour and National Service 18×75 cm (7″ x 30″) in unissued condition If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Dig for Victory Now

    Norman Wilson, c1940

    Dig for Victory Now Lithograph 18x12cm (7×4.7 inches), price includes frame. When rationing was at its height, what could be more appealing than a basket of fresh vegetables. What more incentive could be required to Dig For Victory Now? If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Anonymous

    Man of the World: in a modern force the territorial army for adventure plus technical training 

    Lithographic poster c. 1960 75.5x51cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Take Care! Official Secrets Act WW2 Poster (c.1940)

    Lithographic poster 18 x 51 cm Printed for the HM Stationary Office by Gothic Press, London.  
  • H. M.Bateman

    Don't be Fuel-ish (the man who wasted gas)

    Lithographic poster c.1940 For HMSO by Chromoworks. Ministry of Fuel & Power 38x26cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • H. M. Bateman (1887-1970)

    Save Fuel for Battle (the husband who wasted the hot water)

    Lithographic poster c. 1940 For HMSO by Chromoworks. Ministry of Fuel & Power 38x26cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • H. M. Bateman (1887-1970)

    Don't be Fuel-ish (the man who wasted power)

    Lithographic poster 38x26cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • H. M. Bateman

    Don't be Fuel-ish (the man who would not close the doors)

    Lithographic poster 38x26cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • H. M. Bateman (1887-1970)

    Don't be Fuel-ish (the Man who Wasted Gas II)

    For HMSO by Chromoworks. Ministry of Fuel & Power Lithographic poster c. 1940 38x26cm If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Bulgarian pro-natalist propaganda poster design (circa 1950s)

      Gouache on board 17 x 12 cm After a Communist takeover in 1945, Bulgaria was a Soviet ally during the Cold War, and maintained good relationships with Russia until the Revolutions of 1989. From 1945 to 1948, the country became entrenched within the Soviet sphere of influence under the control of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP) which oversaw a program of Stalinization in the late 1940s and 1950s. Both countries are Slavic nations, and are bound together by a common Orthodox Christian culture. This poster design, painted in warm pink-purple tones and depicting a Bulgarian soldier holding a toddler aloft, was designed as post-war pro-natalist propaganda (likely from the 1950s). Bulgaria and its Soviet allies had lost a huge number of men during the war, and this design for a poster was intended to encourage Bulgarians to have more children. Condition: very good. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Soviet Union socialist irrigation Bulgarian propaganda poster design (circa 1950s)

      Gouache on board 18 x 11 cm After a Communist takeover in 1945, Bulgaria was a Soviet ally during the Cold War, and maintained good relationships with Russia until the Revolutions of 1989. From 1945 to 1948, the country became entrenched within the Soviet sphere of influence under the control of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP) which oversaw a program of Stalinization in the late 1940s and 1950s. Both countries are Slavic nations, and are bound together by a common Orthodox Christian culture. This poster design features huge juicy vegetables, grown as the result of newly-implemented irrigation systems. Socialist farming practices in Bulgaria were commonplace during its time as a Soviet ally or 'satellite'; the government was keen to encourage well-yielding farming practices and to be seen as a protector of agricultural infrastructure turing this turbulent period of the 20th century. Condition: very good. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Soviet Union pro-Lenin Marxist Bulgarian propaganda poster design (circa 1950s)

      Gouache on board 20 x 11.5 cm After a Communist takeover in 1945, Bulgaria was a Soviet ally during the Cold War, and maintained good relationships with Russia until the Revolutions of 1989. From 1945 to 1948, the country became entrenched within the Soviet sphere of influence under the control of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP) which oversaw a program of Stalinization in the late 1940s and 1950s. Both countries are Slavic nations, and are bound together by a common Orthodox Christian culture. This poster design is a piece of Leninist propaganda, designed to make Bulgarians associate Lenin and Soviet Marxist rule with efficiency and plenty. It is inscribed to the reverse in Bulgarian 'To grow plants in rows next to each other - the thickest row with straight cobs'. The Pirin Mountains referred to in the top left-hand corner are a mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria. Condition: very good. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • John Worsley (1919-2000)

    Join the Regular Army

    Printed for H.M. Stationary Office by Leonard Ripley & Co. (1959) Lithographic poster 76x51cm Worsley was a war artist during World War II who was captured by the Germans and then an illustrator for Eagle comic. Click here for further biographical details and other posters by Worsley. This image is titled A Royal Signals Technician Repairing a Radio and the original oil painting is in the Royal Signals Museum in Blandford Forum. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Attributed to John Worsley

    Join the New Regular Army - A Real Man's Life

    Published by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Printed by Chromoworks Limited, 1959 Lithographic poster 75x50cm Worsley was a war artist during World War II who was captured by the Germans and then an illustrator for Eagle comic. Click here for further biographical details and other posters by Worsley. The Soldier of the Queen depicted is a tank commander. At the time the poster was printed the main location for deployment of tanks was West Germany. In 1946 the British Army of the Rhine was created to protect Germany - and indeed Europe - from a Soviet invasion. Numbering up to 80,000 soldiers it was estimated that in the event of war the life expectancy of a tank commander would be less than two days. A Real Man's Life indeed. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • John Worsley (1919-2000)  (attributed)

    Join the Regular Army through a Junior Leaders' Unit

    Printed for H.M. Stationary Office by Carillon Press Ltd, Bournemouth. (c. 1959) Prepared for the War Office by the Central Office of Information Lithographic poster 76x51cm Young soldiers in a clearing in a forest read a map as a canoe is lowered into the river behind them. Worsley was a war artist during World War II who was captured by the Germans and then an illustrator for Eagle comic. Click here for further biographical details and other posters by Worsley. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  •  The Royal Dragoons - Men in Armour

    c. 1960 Lithographic poster 76x51cm A soldier, headphones to his ear, binoculars in his hand, and beret on his head is shown before a tank, an army helicopter, and an armoured vehicle. Worsley was a war artist during World War II who was captured by the Germans and then an illustrator for Eagle comic. Click here for further biographical details and other posters by Worsley. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Printed by Lowe & Brydone Printers (1944)

    Great Britain's War Effort No. 2 (Men in the armed forces)

    50x37cm "Of the ten million men who served in the Commonwealth's Armed Forces five-and-a-half million men were from the United Kingdom alone. This picturegraph is based on latest official figures issued by HM Government November 1944." The population of the Empire had to be persuaded that Britain was pulling her weight in World War 2. By this poster and others similar could the message be put across. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Folds as issued, otherwise generally excellent.
  • Printed by Lowe & Brydone Printers (1944)

    Great Britain's War Effort No. 5 (Taxation)

    50x37cm "The British people paid two and a half times as much Income Tax in 1943 as they paid in the year before the war. This picturegraph is based on latest official figures issued by HM Government November 1944." Pre-war taxation: £472,000,000 War-time £1,169,000,000 The population of the Empire had to be persuaded that Britain was pulling her weight in World War 2. By this poster and others similar could the message be put across. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Folds as issued, otherwise generally excellent.
  • Printed by Lowe & Brydone Printers (1944)

    Great Britain's War Effort No. 6 (Munitions)

    50x37cm "Seven-tenths of all munitions for the Armed Forces of the British Commonwealth and Empire were made in the United Kingdom. This picturegraph is based on latest official figures issued by HM Government November 1944." The population of the Empire had to be persuaded that Britain was pulling her weight in World War 2. Bu this poster and others similar could the message be put across. The fine stylised tanks, bombs, ships, guns and other vehicles are stacked up on the left-hand side showing the British contribution. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Folds as issued, otherwise generally excellent.
  • Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British, 1887-1965) Careless Talk Costs Lives IV

    Lithographic poster c.1940 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) Reprinted by the IV Army Corps by the 103rd Engineers Lacking the normal Fougasse edition, the IV Army Corps commissioned their Engineers - the 103rd Engineers - to produce their own edition. Indescribably rare, one of the ones in this series is inscribed 'To Al, with sincerest regards Warren C Guggenheim'. The cartoonist Fougasse, was a British cartoonist who was art editor of Punch 1937-1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters both for the Ministry of Information, London Underground and others. The Ministry of Information’s wartime poster campaign was soon regarded as dull and uninspiring on account of its hectoring messages such as ‘Keep Calm and Carry On.’ There were posters telling the population how to conduct virtually every minute of their daily lives – for instance by saving old clothes for rags, turning off the lights, saving food, digging for victory, or watching out for spies. With this instruction overload the population ceased paying attention to the posters, so Fougasse offered his services to the Ministry of Information unpaid, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to serious messages. An amusing picture and a pithy caption helped to get the message across to the reader. His distinctive style, with the red border, was adopted by other Ministry artists. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good, a few very soft creases as normal.
  • Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (British, 1887-1965) Careless Talk Costs Lives V

    Lithographic poster c.1940 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) Reprinted by the IV Army Corps by the 103rd Engineers Lacking the normal Fougasse edition, the IV Army Corps commissioned their Engineers - the 103rd Engineers - to produce their own edition. Indescribably rare, one of the ones in this series is inscribed 'To Al, with sincerest regards Warren C Guggenheim'. The cartoonist Fougasse, was a British cartoonist who was art editor of Punch 1937-1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters both for the Ministry of Information, London Underground and others. The Ministry of Information’s wartime poster campaign was soon regarded as dull and uninspiring on account of its hectoring messages such as ‘Keep Calm and Carry On.’ There were posters telling the population how to conduct virtually every minute of their daily lives – for instance by saving old clothes for rags, turning off the lights, saving food, digging for victory, or watching out for spies. With this instruction overload the population ceased paying attention to the posters, so Fougasse offered his services to the Ministry of Information unpaid, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to serious messages. An amusing picture and a pithy caption helped to get the message across to the reader. His distinctive style, with the red border, was adopted by other Ministry artists. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good, a few very soft creases as normal.
  • Anonymous

    Rags Every bit of rag still urgently required

    WW2 British Home Front Poster 75x49cm Lithograph in four colours If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good.
  • Keep It Dark (1939 - 1945)

      Lithographic poster 25 x 31 cm Sponsored by Her Majesty's Stationery Office; printed by Perry Colourprint. A copy of this poster is held by the Imperial War Museum. This poster, bearing lyrics designed to be sung to the tune of "She'll be coming round the mountain", was designed for the Ministry of Information during the Second World War. It urges the population to avoid talking carelessly about details of Britain's operational movements, which might unwittingly end up in the wrong hands. Condition: good. Some small losses to extreme margins. If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Builders YOU Are Hitting Back Original WW2 Poster (c.1940)

    'Builders - YOU Are Hitting Back' Original WW2 Poster (c.1940) 76 x 50.5 cm Lithograph and letterpress (on paper) Printed by Lowe and Brydone Printers Ltd, London NW10. Published by HM Stationery Office.   Because: You are building bases for the Flying Boats which guard the convoys You are building the Factories which makes the guns, tanks, planes & shells You are building the Airfields for the ever increasing number of bombers and fighters - Spitfire You are building the Hostels for your fellow workers to live in You are building the warehouses which store the Nation's Food Supply
  • Owen Miller (1907-1960)

    You’ve got a Good Case

    Ministry of Aircraft Production, Printed for HMSO by Fosh & Cross c. 1940 Lithographic poster This poster was one of a series produced by Miller to encourage efficiency in aircraft factories, probably in 1942. 30×20 inches Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Nat Harrison

    Accidents Sometimes Happen... Work Carefully Avoid Scrap

    Original poster c. 1943 Printed for HMSO by J Weiner Ltd, London for the Ministry of Aircraft Production Produced by the Bayly-Souster advertising agency, Fleet Street Provenance the estate of Ernest Bendell-Bayly The waste-not-want-not campaign of World War 2 in the UK had to tackle waste at all levels. Here workers in aircraft factories are encouraged to work carefully in order to avoid creating products that had to be scrapped. Not only were the raw materials scrapped, but also the valuable hours of workers' time involved. When Lord Beaverbrook commenced his term as Minister of Aircraft Production in May 1940 it was an industry beset with problems. Aircraft parts were produced in sufficient numbers, but assembly into flyable aircraft proved more challenging – the Castle Bromwich Spitfire factory had not produced a single completed aircraft by this point. Moreover the RAF central depots had large supplies of aircraft that had not been issued to squadrons. Once this was all brought under Beaverbrook’s control, aircraft production increased rapidly. During the Battle of Britain, the British production of fighter aircraft was two-and-a-half times that of Germany. Britain had 644 operable fighters at the start of July 1940 – when the Battle of Britain began – against the German 725. By the end of October 1940, when the German offensive finished, British fighter aircraft had – despite significant losses – increased to 732 whilst the Germans were left with just 275. To achieve this great productivity increase the Ministry was run on informal grounds; few notes were kept; staff members had few formal roles. Essential to the success were motivational posters in the aircraft factories. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Ministry of War Transport Quicker Turnaround Helps to Quicker Victory - Football

    Original vintage poster c. 1940 30x20" Printed by H M Stationery Office by J Weiner Ltd London WC1 Provenance, the Bendell Bayley studio. During the war, every aspect of life had its own Government influence. Here transport of war materiel is being managed and faster re-loading of transport is encouraged to improve efficiency. Condition: Good. Backed to linen. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (1887 - 1965)

    Become a Rugby Referee

      Lithographic poster 32 x 26 cm "If you sometimes wonder whether you still enjoy being battered about on a Sunday afternoon quite as much as you did, why not give a thought to refereeing - which would allow you to keep up a connection with the game of games, and do a very useful job for it too." Fougasse was a British cartoonist. He was art editor of Punch between 1937 and 1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters for the Ministry of Information and London Transport. As the Second World War progressed, the Ministry of Information’s poster campaign had become less and less effective. There were posters instructing the population to save old clothes for rags, turn off the lights, save food, dig for victory, watch out for spies, and keep calm and carry on. With this instruction overload, the population had ceased paying attention to the posters. Fougasse noticed this, and offered his services unpaid to the Ministry of Information, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to the posters. His amusing designs with pithy captions, reminiscent of newspaper cartoons, helped to get the Ministry's messages across in a novel way.
    Fougasse's distinctive poster style, with the red border, was subsequently adopted by other Ministry artists.
    Condition: backed to linen; generally excellent. If you are interested, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Click here for other works by the artist.
  • Seven Rules of Health

    63.5 x 101cm Lithographic poster Published by HMSO for Ministry of Health and Department of Health for Scotland c. 1950
  • Cyril Kenneth Bird ‘Fougasse’ (1887 - 1965)

    Careless Talk Costs Lives (circa 1940)

      Lithographic poster 32 x 20 cm (12.5 x 8 in) Version printed on thinner paper. Fougasse was a British cartoonist. He was art editor of Punch between 1937 and 1949, and subsequently editor until 1953. He is best known for his ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ series of posters, and the other posters for the Ministry of Information and London Transport. As the Second World War progressed, the Ministry of Information’s poster campaign had become less and less effective. There were posters instructing the population to save old clothes for rags, turn off the lights, save food, dig for victory, watch out for spies, and keep calm and carry on. With this instruction overload, the population had ceased paying attention to the posters. Fougasse noticed this, and offered his services unpaid to the Ministry of Information, with a view to bringing a touch of humour to the posters. His amusing designs with pithy captions, reminiscent of newspaper cartoons, helped to get the Ministry's messages across in a novel way. Fougasse's distinctive poster style, with the red border, was subsequently adopted by other Ministry artists. Condition: if you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.

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