An original set of three "Keep Calm, Carry On" posters is set to be auctioned in Newcastle. The posters are being auctioned during Anderson & Garland's Militaria Auction on Thursday, July 4 - coinciding with Election Day. Prospective buyers will be able to see the posters at a viewing day at Anderson House in Westerhope, Newcastle on Wednesday, July 3.
The "Keep Calm, Carry On" poster was one of three motivational designs created by the British government before World War II. The other two posters, "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will bring us Victory" and "Freedom is in Peril. Defend it with all your Might" were widely distributed and seen by many during the early months of the war.
Read more: Whitley Bay Frenchie 'Frank the Tank' could be the world's biggest French Bulldog Keep up to date with all the latest local news from Newcastle with our free newsletter However, "Keep Calm, Carry On" was held in reserve, intended to be used during severe crises which did not immediately occur, so was never publicly displayed during the war. In fact, it is thought that many found the first two entries of the series to be patronising or insulting, which was the cause of nearly all of the 2.5 million posters being pulped down for re-use.
The Ministry of Information, formed at the war's outset, aimed to reassure the public with these posters, promoting a positive mindset rather than direct action. The phrase "carry on" was reminiscent of World War I, but was seen as old-f.
