Second World War poster recruiting women into war work, issued by the War Manpower Commission and the Office of War Information, USA,1944

Poster showing cartoon representations of eleven women working in various capacities for the war effort. Much of their 'work' is devoted to red block letters that spell out "WOMEN". One figure is a nurse, placing a blanket over the top of the letter 'O', another stands atop the 'W' taking notes on a clip board. Two mechanics work on an army jeep in the forground. Three of the workers are shown respectively carrying metal, riveting and hammering. Much of the composition is arranged on a diagonal axis. Near the upper right, other figures perform more traditional gender roles of sewing, serving and cleaning. Text: 'There's work to be done and a war to be won...Now!"

Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko

This poster uses a technique of persuasion rather than command to reach its target audience. Through a light-hearted cartoon style, women's war work is presented as fun, with a variety of tasks being carried out in a non-aggressive, domestic manner. The keyword is cleverly incorporated within the whole design. Vernon Grant was a popular children's artist and the creator of the Kellogg's cereal characters 'Snap, Crackle and Pop'.

E.856-2004