Beware - Spies. Be Careful What You Say! thumbnail 1
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Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case 1B, Box LS1

Beware - Spies. Be Careful What You Say!

Poster
1939-1945 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Security of information was a crucial concern for all wartime governments, and posters (often by well-known artists) were used in the battle to persuade both troops and civilians to safeguard information. Different techniques were employed. This poster illustrates an everyday situation with which troops could identify. It warns of the dangers of talking carelessly in relaxed situations while under the effects of alcohol.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Beware - Spies. Be Careful What You Say! (assigned by artist)
  • Achtung Spione. vorsicht bei Gesprächen! (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Colour offset lithography
Brief description
Second World War poster warning against careless talk. Germany, 1939-1945
Physical description
Two off-duty soldiers drinking in a cafe being spied upon. The spy occupies the foreground, half hidden behind a broadsheet newspaper.
Dimensions
  • Height: 42.1cm
  • Width: 29.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
Achtung/ Spione/ Vorsicht/ bei Gesprächen! (printed in black and red on white)
Translation
Beware - Spies. Be Careful What You Say! (from the German). DPA Matejko Offset printing. Wilhelm Limpert. Berlin SW68
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Subjects depicted
Summary
Security of information was a crucial concern for all wartime governments, and posters (often by well-known artists) were used in the battle to persuade both troops and civilians to safeguard information. Different techniques were employed. This poster illustrates an everyday situation with which troops could identify. It warns of the dangers of talking carelessly in relaxed situations while under the effects of alcohol.
Other number
LS.405 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.273-2004

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Record createdJuly 5, 2004
Record URL
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