We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: E.849-2004
Find out about our images

Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case 1B, Box LS1

To all who use libraries... this is our WAR

Poster
ca. 1943 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This World War II era propaganda poster was issued to draw the American public's attention to the larger social and cultural implications of book burning by enemy forces. It takes the form of an open letter written by Elmer Davis (1890-1958), who served from 1942-1945 as the Director of the Office of War Information. The text draws parallels between Nazi censorship via the destruction of literature and art and similar "acts of barbarism" committed by the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre. The aim was to keep all members of American society - including librarians and intellectuals - engaged in (and supportive of) the war effort.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleTo all who use libraries... this is our WAR
Materials and techniques
block printing
Brief description
"To all who use libraries... This is our War" American World War II propaganda poster. Text only.
Physical description
Text only poster printed in red and blue ink.
Dimensions
  • Height: 50.7cm
  • Width: 36.1cm
Marks and inscriptions
16-31020-1
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
Place depicted
Summary
This World War II era propaganda poster was issued to draw the American public's attention to the larger social and cultural implications of book burning by enemy forces. It takes the form of an open letter written by Elmer Davis (1890-1958), who served from 1942-1945 as the Director of the Office of War Information. The text draws parallels between Nazi censorship via the destruction of literature and art and similar "acts of barbarism" committed by the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre. The aim was to keep all members of American society - including librarians and intellectuals - engaged in (and supportive of) the war effort.
Other number
LS.2393 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.849-2004

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 8, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSON