The original 1915 poster featuring Lord Kitchener's iconic proclamation serves as a powerful artifact of World War I propaganda, encapsulating the urgency and fervor of the times. With the backdrop of the Great War raging across Europe, governments on both sides sought to rally their citizens to support the war effort in various ways, including recruitment, fundraising, and industrial production.
The poster's message is clear and direct, conveying the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The central quote from Lord Kitchener emphasizes the critical importance of three key resources: men, materials, and money. These were seen as the essential elements necessary to sustain the war effort and ensure victory on the battlefield.
Lord Kitchener, as the British Secretary of State for War, was a central figure in British wartime propaganda efforts. His stern visage, depicted in profile at the top of the poster, adds gravitas to the message and reinforces the sense of duty and obligation felt by all citizens.
The poster's text implores the viewer to consider their role in the war effort and to respond to the call of duty without delay. It challenges the notion that one's obligation to their country should only be fulfilled under compulsion, suggesting instead that it is a moral imperative that should be willingly embraced.
War 14-18 - United Kingdom
Men, Materials & Money Are the Immondées Nucities
David Allen & Sons Harrow
Good condition, folds, small tears
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