On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

What is Mass Radiography

Poster
ca. 1949 (designed), ca. 1949 (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the wake of World War Two there was an alarming rise in tuberculosis (T.B) cases. These posters promote a mass radiography (mass x-ray) programme instigated by the Ministry of Health which sent mobile screening units to schools, factories and other local access points. They are evidence of a huge promotional campaign which resulted in a large percentage of the population being tested for tuberculosis. Posters like this which sought to inform and protect the public helped to project the new ethos of 'welfare capitalism' after the war.

This poster belongs to the series 'Caught in time. A Case of T.B.' The series was intended to be displayed as a frieze and presents a storyboard of photographic stills, following the case of fictional T.B sufferer John Smith (modelled by actor Sam Kydd) from his first cough, through his diagnosis by x-ray to his successful treatment and full recovery.

The photographic imagery suggests a real life scenario, while achieving a reassuring and optimistic gloss. The posters de-mystify the process of T.B treatment and challenge the public's attitude towards tuberculosis. By the early 20th century T.B. had become associated in the popular imagination with the 'unclean poor', hereditary taint and miscreant behaviour. Here, however, John Smith is presented as a middle class family man and exemplary employee who submits responsibly to treatment.

This set of posters was preserved by Dr Joan McMichael who was actively involved in the first mass radiography screening campaigns in Britain.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleWhat is Mass Radiography (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Lithograph printed in black and green on gloss paper
Brief description
Eleventh in a series of twelve posters promoting a mass radiography screening campaign for tuberculosis.
Physical description
The eleventh poster in a series of twelve posters promoting a mass radiography screening campaign for tuberculosis. The poster is composed of a photograph of a man having an x-ray taken of his chest while of queue of men wait their turn.
Dimensions
  • Width: 15.2cm (Note: BIO-SPECIMEN BAG)
  • Length: 16.9cm (Note: BIO-SPECIMEN BAG)
  • Width: 16.9cm (Note: BOX)
  • Length: 12.5cm (Note: BOX)
  • Depth: 3.4cm (Note: BOX)
  • Length: 9.1cm (Note: Test Tube)
  • Height: 3.6cm (Note: Funnel)
  • Width: 4.5cm (Note: Funnel)
Credit line
Given by Jonathan Carritt in memory of Dr Joan McMichael
Production
Number 11 in a series of 12 posters
Summary
In the wake of World War Two there was an alarming rise in tuberculosis (T.B) cases. These posters promote a mass radiography (mass x-ray) programme instigated by the Ministry of Health which sent mobile screening units to schools, factories and other local access points. They are evidence of a huge promotional campaign which resulted in a large percentage of the population being tested for tuberculosis. Posters like this which sought to inform and protect the public helped to project the new ethos of 'welfare capitalism' after the war.

This poster belongs to the series 'Caught in time. A Case of T.B.' The series was intended to be displayed as a frieze and presents a storyboard of photographic stills, following the case of fictional T.B sufferer John Smith (modelled by actor Sam Kydd) from his first cough, through his diagnosis by x-ray to his successful treatment and full recovery.

The photographic imagery suggests a real life scenario, while achieving a reassuring and optimistic gloss. The posters de-mystify the process of T.B treatment and challenge the public's attitude towards tuberculosis. By the early 20th century T.B. had become associated in the popular imagination with the 'unclean poor', hereditary taint and miscreant behaviour. Here, however, John Smith is presented as a middle class family man and exemplary employee who submits responsibly to treatment.

This set of posters was preserved by Dr Joan McMichael who was actively involved in the first mass radiography screening campaigns in Britain.
Collection
Accession number
E.484-2009

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Record createdSeptember 22, 2009
Record URL
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