A hunt for the world’s weapons of mass communication leads to the Imperial War Museum’s new exhibition
No matter how effective an air defence missile or armoured tank is in warfare, few weapons add power to a country’s arsenal like propaganda posters.
These images are so potent they can inspire, unite, or even frighten people in their millions.
Now the Imperial War Museum has unveiled a unique display of some of the world’s most iconic wartime posters, from Alfred Leete’s WWI Kitchener recruitment poster to contemporary anti-war artwork by Peter Kennard and David Gentleman.
The exhibition features some 300 works from all over the world, including the UK, France and Spain. Collectively, they chart the story of how posters have been used to influence the public over the past century. Visitors can follow their evolution from mainstream advertising creation to hardcore political tool.
The exhibition appears at the Imperial War Museum London until 30 March 2008. For more information, call 020 7416 5320.
