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Handkerchief

Handkerchief

  • Place of origin:

    England (made)

  • Date:

    ca. 1943 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Fougasse, born 1887 - died 1965 (artist)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Printed silk

  • Credit Line:

    Given by Lynn Szygenda

  • Museum number:

    T.95-1986

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

This handkerchief features a design based on the 'Careless Talk Costs Lives' series of Second World War propaganda posters, which were published by the Ministry of Information in February 1940. The images were drawn by Fougasse, which was the psuedonym of Cyril Kenneth Bird (1887-1965), a cartoonist for the satirical magazine Punch. The cartoons show figures, including Hitler and Goering, overhearing members of the British public discussing the war. They aimed to dissuade people from gossiping and inadvertently giving away secrets to the enemy about the British war effort. The original posters were distributed to offices, shops and pubs around the country.

Physical description

Printed silk handkerchief featuring a design based on the 'Careless Talk Costs Lives' series of Second World War propaganda posters. With designs of people in certain situations sitting and talking in trains, at dining tables, and in tea rooms, or standing outside. There are cartoon depictions of dictator Adolf Hitler. Each drawing is inscribed with a saying.

Place of Origin

England (made)

Date

ca. 1943 (made)

Artist/maker

Fougasse, born 1887 - died 1965 (artist)

Materials and Techniques

Printed silk

Marks and inscriptions

'Of course there's no harm in your knowing!'
Below a drawing in the corner

'Strictly between you & me ...'
Below a drawing in the corner

'... but of course it mustn't go any further!'
Below a drawing in the corner

'Don't forget that walls have ears!'
Below a drawing in the corner

'You never know who's listening!'
Below the central drawing

Object history note

Registered File number 1986/586.

Descriptive line

Handkerchief 'Careless Talk Costs Lives' by Fougasse, made in England, ca. 1943.

Materials

Silk (textile)

Techniques

Printed

Subjects depicted

Propaganda; War

Categories

Accessories; Clothing

Collection

Textiles and Fashion Collection

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