Abram Games Join the ATS poster – WWII Recruitment poster – First version

Abram Games Join the ATS poster – WWII Recruitment poster – First version Abram Games Join the ATS poster… a controversial artwork The Abram Games Join the ATS poster is a fascinating piece of wartime history. This bold and provocative design sparked controversy when it was first published in 1941, challenging societal norms and inspiring a new generation of women to join the war effort. A Glamorous Vision of Wartime Service The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) was the women’s branch of the British Army during World War II. To encourage more women to enlist, the government commissioned Abram Games to create a Join the ATS poster that would appeal to a younger audience. Games’ innovative approach involved transforming the traditional image of a woman in uniform into a glamorous and empowering figure. By using Doreen Murphy, a real ATS map room assistant, as his model, Games created a striking visual that challenged the stereotypes of women’s roles during wartime. He intentionally glamorized Murphy’s appearance, turning her brunette hair blonde and adding a touch of red lipstick. The jaunty angle of her cap added a sense of confidence and modernity. A Controversial Masterpiece The Abram Games Join the ATS poster was a bold departure from traditional recruitment advertising. Its provocative imagery and sexualized tone sparked a heated debate in Parliament. Conservative MP and feminist Thelma Cazalet-Kier criticized the poster for being too suggestive and inappropriate for a government campaign. As a result, the posters were ordered to be removed from public display. Despite the controversy, the Abram Games Join the ATS poster remains a significant cultural artifact. It is a testament to the power of design to influence public opinion and inspire action. The poster’s impact on recruitment is difficult to quantify, but it undoubtedly helped to raise awareness of the ATS and encourage more women to join the war effort. A Rare and Valuable Piece of History Due to the controversy surrounding its release and the subsequent order to destroy the posters, original copies of the Abram Games Join the ATS poster are incredibly rare. A handful of these iconic posters have survived, making them highly sought-after by collectors and museums. In 2019, an original poster sold at auction for a staggering £5,000, highlighting the immense value of this historical artifact. Owing an Abram Games Join the ATS poster Original Abram Games Join the ATS poster’s are becoming increasingly rare, making them highly sought-after by collectors and history enthusiasts. To ensure that this iconic piece of history remains accessible to all, we offer high-quality reproduction posters that capture the essence of the original artwork. Our reproductions are carefully crafted to look superb, making them perfect for display in homes, offices, or classrooms. Whether you’re a history buff, a design lover, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful art, the Abram Games Join the ATS poster is a stunning addition to any collection. Order yours today!