VD. The 'easy' girlfriend
- Object:
Poster
- Place of origin:
UK (published)
- Date:
ca. 1943-1944 (published)
- Artist/Maker:
Mount, (Edward) Reginald, born 1906 - died 1979 (designer)
Ministry of Information (publisher)
Ministry of Health and Central Council of Health Education (publisher) - Materials and Techniques:
Colour lithograph
- Museum number:
E.2914-1995
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C, case Y, shelf 70, box D
The British Ministry of Health's campaign against the spread of venereal disease (VD) during the Second World War of 1939-1945 warned men in the armed forces of the risks involved in casual sex, particularly when undertaken with promiscuous ('easy') women or prostitutes. 'VD. The "easy" girlfriend' is a grim reminder of the ever-presence of syphilis in what seems a macabre trio of death (symbolised by the skull), exotic sexual encounter (in the fleshy , sexual orchid) and feminine attraction (the pink veil).
