Below is a selection of original posters from the First World War period. Three of these were featured in the 78 Derngate Centenary Exhibition, “Charles Rennie Mackintosh & The Great War“. The subjects of the posters provide a vivid insight to the priorities of society and government during the war. A patriotic and dutiful tone underpins numerous exhortations to support the war effort both at home and on the front line. Recruitment to the armed forces, fundraising to support the fighting force and the maintenance of law and order at home all feature repeatedly. The provision of good cheap food from central kitchens at a time of shortage was also the subject of publicity. Many of these posters would have been displayed in public buildings and on transport routes; part of the everyday environment for the residents of Kensington and Chelsea as as they went about their daily business.
This collection of posters is included by kind permission of The Local Studies Department of The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, London. All enquiries about permission to use these images should be directed to them. You may also be interested to visit their “Kensington & Chelsea’s Great War” website.
