The MOI’s planners had first considered ‘Home Publicity’ in August 1937 and returned to the subject in July 1938. The ‘Keep Calm’ design was never officially issued and only a very small number of originals have survived to the present day.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON SERIES
It was produced as part of a series of three posters that would be issued in the event of war (the others read ‘Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory’ and ‘Freedom is in Peril Defend it with all Your Might’). 'Keep Calm and Carry On’ was coined by the shadow Ministry of Information (MOI) at some point between 27 June and 6 July 1939.
This blog post marks the 75th anniversary of this significant cultural artefact by exploring its place in the British government’s preparations for the Second World War and drawing attention to the Treasury compromise which led to the poster’s creation. Yet its popularity also obscures a more complicated history. The phrase has reinforced a popular view of life in the Second World War and has been reproduced on everything from champagne flutes to smartphone cases. The instruction to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ has become one of the most recognisable slogans in British history.
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