Stand Firm! poster (Lion) – War Effort World War II propaganda poster – Tom Purvis 1943

Stand Firm! poster (Lion) – War Effort World War II propaganda poster – Tom Purvis 1943 The  Stand Firm! poster by Tom Purvis stands as a remarkable piece of British propaganda art, exemplifying the resilience and determination of the nation during a critical period. It was created in 1943 by the English artist Tom Purvis in preparation for World War II to encourage the British public to be resolute and ready.  By incorporating the image of the nation’s national animal… the Lion, Purvis evokes a sense of nostalgia, patriotism, and pride. Despite the lion not being native to England, it’s seen its national animal. The lion as a symbol of England can be traced back to the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart (Richard I of England). Richard I, who ruled from 1189 to 1199, was a renowned warrior and military leader. He earned the nickname “Lionheart” (Cœur de Lion in French) due to his exceptional courage and prowess in battle during the Third Crusade. Richard I used a lion as part of his personal coat of arms, featuring three golden lions passant guardant (walking with one paw raised and facing the viewer). This design later became associated with the English monarchy and was incorporated into the Royal Arms of England. The three golden lions, often referred to as the “Lions of England,” have been an integral part of English heraldry since that time. They symbolise bravery, strength, and valor, and have remained a key element of England’s heraldic tradition. Over the centuries, the symbolism of the lion became deeply ingrained in English culture and was further emphasised through its use in various contexts, including coins, seals, flags, and other national symbols. Propaganda posters During the First World War and a significant portion of the Second World War, mass communication was limited to a few key mediums, primarily radio, newspapers, and posters. In the absence of the internet, television, and social media, these traditional forms of media played a crucial role in disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and rallying support for the war effort. Propaganda posters were powerful visual tools for conveying messages quickly and effectively. These posters often featured striking imagery, unforgettable slogans, and vivid colors to capture public attention. They were displayed in public spaces, factories, schools, and other community areas, ensuring widespread visibility. Posters were used to encourage enlistment, promote conservation, boost morale, and emphasize the importance of supporting the troops. The combination of compelling visuals and succinct messages made posters a memorable and persuasive form of communication. Some of these posters have become enduring symbols of their respective eras. Here are a few notable examples: 1. “Keep Calm and Carry On” (WWII): Although this poster was not widely circulated during the war, it has become one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols of British resilience. The message “Keep Calm and Carry On” was intended to boost public morale during potential German air raids. Today, it is widely reproduced and adapted in various forms around the world. 2. “Your Country Needs You” (WWI): Featuring Lord Kitchener pointing directly at the viewer, this iconic poster was designed by Alfred Leeter to encourage enlistment in the British army during World War I. The powerful image and the message “Your Country Needs You” have become synonymous with wartime recruitment efforts. 3. “Dig for Victory” (WWII): This poster, part of a series of wartime propaganda posters, encouraged citizens to grow their own food during the food shortages of World War II. The image depicted a family gardening together, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and contributing to the war effort. 4. “Careless Talk Costs Lives” (WWII): This poster warned against careless conversations that could reveal sensitive information to enemy spies. It featured images of sinking ships and downed planes, reminding people that loose lips could have severe consequences during wartime. 5. “Make Do and Mend” (WWII): This poster encouraged frugality and resourcefulness by promoting the idea of repairing and reusing clothing and household items rather than discarding them. It aimed to conserve resources and reduce waste during wartime shortages. 6. “Keep Mum, She’s Not So Dumb!” (WWII): This poster is another iconic piece of British wartime propaganda. It features a young woman listening to a conversation between two soldiers. The message urges citizens, especially women, to be discreet and avoid discussing sensitive military information, emphasising the importance of secrecy to maintain national security during the war. The poster’s catchy slogan and clever imagery made it memorable, reinforcing the need for caution in wartime conversations. 7. “Loose Lips Might Sink Ships” (WWII): This well-known slogan was prominently featured in British and American wartime propaganda posters during World War II. The Loose Lips Might Sink Ships poster typically depicted a sinking ship, reminding citizens, particularly military personnel and civilians working in defense industries, to be cautious about discussing sensitive information. The message highlighted the potential consequences of careless talk, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secrecy to prevent valuable intelligence from reaching enemy ears. The phrase “Loose Lips Sink Ships” became synonymous with the need for discretion and operational security during the war, making it one of the most memorable wartime propaganda slogans. These posters, among many others, played a significant role in shaping public attitudes, behaviors, and actions during wartime. Their powerful imagery and succinct messages continue to resonate with audiences, making them enduring symbols of British wartime propaganda efforts. Poster artist Tom Purvis Tom Purvis was a British painter and commercial poster artist. Born in Bristol, Purvis began his artistic journey by studying at the Camberwell School of Art. Afterward, he honed his skills during a six-year stint at the advertising firm Mather and Crowther whilst simultaneously pursuing lithography studies at the Avenue Press as a freelance artist. Purvis developed a bold, two-dimensional style by reducing detail and using simplified forms, sharp lines, and large blocks of vibrant flat colour. His style was a mix of the art deco of the era and the German Plakatstil style of poster art which also used simplified shapes in flat colours to focus on central objects. As a member of the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) (Reserve), historically known as The Artists Rifles, Purvis was commissioned as a war artist by the Ministry of Supply, creating impactful visual representations of the wartime experience.  Of all his wartime propaganda posters, the best known is the Stand Firm! poster featuring a magnificent stoic lion. Other iconic Tom Purvis war posters include the patriotic call to arms “It’s up to you” featuring an image of Britannia holding the Union flag. The “Lend to Defend” poster depicts a young boy making a ship out of Meccano, encouraging the public to buy National Savings Certificates.  And the 1903 Buy British poster featuring a man shoveling coal into a furnace. After the war,  Purvis began working with the London and North East Railway (LNER) where he made a significant impact over two decades between 1923 and 1943. His most notable work for LNER was a series of six posters titled East Coast Joys. These posters, which showcased seaside pastimes without specifying any particular location, formed a cohesive scene when displayed together. His LNER railway posters rarely featured the trains themselves. Instead, Purvis’s work concentrated on portraying the simple joy of the leisure pursuits that could be found at the holiday destinations the posters targeted. His artwork often featured playful youths splashing about in the sea, children at play on the sand, riding donkeys, or paddling at the water’s edge. Many posters portrayed women in bathing costumes with bare arms and legs — a daring choice considering the conservative norms of 1930s Britain. Throughout the 1930s, Purvis also created striking designs for Austin Reed, the renowned men’s tailor, the Canadian Pacific shipping line and Shell. He also collaborated with companies such as Pilkington Glass and Rolls Royce. His designs captured the elegance and glamour of the era. Notably, in 1936, he was recognized as one of the first eleven Royal Designers for Industry, a testament to his influential work in the field. Purvis embarked on a new artistic chapter, transitioning from poster design to the realm of portraiture. His keen eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects endeared him to patrons seeking timeless and emotive portraits. In his later years, Purvis turned his attention to religious art, infusing his creations with spiritual depth and meaning. Tom Purvis posters