Who Created 'Keep Calm and Carry On'?

The iconic 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster, with its inspiring words and stoic design, has become a cultural phenomenon. But who created this masterpiece? The answer lies in the depths of British wartime history.

In 1939, as World War II loomed on the horizon, the Ministry of Information, Britain's wartime propaganda office, designed three posters to be issued in the event of war. Among these was 'Keep Calm and Carry On,' a phrase that would go on to become synonymous with British resilience.

The story of how this poster came to be is fascinating. According to Dr. Henry Irving's account, published on the MOI project's website, only a few copies of the original design survived, including one discovered in Alnwick in 2000. The Ministry of Information had designed three posters: 'Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory,' 'Freedom is in Peril, Defend It With All Your Might,' and, of course, 'Keep Calm and Carry On.'

Initially, the campaign was well-received, with stocks of the poster being distributed to local distribution centers by early autumn 1939. However, as time went on, concerns began to arise about the effectiveness of the message. Some felt that it was too commonplace, others that it might even annoy people. As a result, the entire campaign was scrapped after just four weeks.

Despite its short-lived existence, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' continued to make an impact, albeit in unexpected ways. The words are often attributed to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, but this is not entirely accurate. Nonetheless, the poster has become forever linked to Churchill's fighting spirit and the British people's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Today, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' is a cultural icon, inspiring quotes and merchandise galore. But it's worth remembering that its origins are rooted in wartime Britain, where it was designed to rally the nation during a time of great uncertainty. As the poster itself reminds us: 'In these difficult circumstances we must keep calm and carry on.

Who created keep calm and carry on