Not currently on display at the V&A

Handkerchief

ca. 1943 (made)
Artist/Maker
Fougasse (artist)
Place of origin
England (made)

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.


Object details

Categories
Accessories
Clothing
Object type
Handkerchief
Materials and techniques
Printed silk
Silk (Textile)
Printed
Brief description
Handkerchief 'Careless Talk Costs Lives' by Fougasse, made in England, ca. 1943.
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.
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)
Credit line
Given by Lynn Szygenda
Object history
Registered File number 1986/586.
Subjects depicted
Propaganda
War
Hitler, Adolf
Summary
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.
Collection
Textiles and Fashion Collection
Accession number
T.95-1986

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 createdJuly 9, 2003
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O82048/handkerchief-fougasse/
Download as: JSON