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WW2 poster, Bristles are scarce, Brushes are precious
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WW2 poster, Bristles are scarce, Brushes are precious
WW2 Ministry of Supply poster, Bristles are scarce, Brushes are precious. Encouraging people to take care of resources. Date: early 1940s
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Media ID 14237098
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Onslow Auctions Limited
Bristles Brush Brushes Encouraging Glue Ministry Paint Precious Resources Scarce Supply
EDITORS COMMENTS
During the tumultuous era of the 1940s, as the world was embroiled in the cataclysmic events of World War II, the British Ministry of Supply issued a poignant and powerful call to action through this evocative poster. Entitled "Bristles are scarce, Brushes are precious," this striking image serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conserving resources during wartime. The poster, rendered in bold black and white with splashes of orange and green, features a simple yet effective design. A pair of brushes, their bristles splayed out in a mournful display, lies at the center of the composition. Above, the title of the poster in bold, capitalized letters, while below, a plea for care and conservation: "Use only what you need. Keep your brushes clean. Don't waste glue." The message was clear: resources were scarce, and every brush, every drop of glue, was precious. The poster was a testament to the spirit of wartime frugality and the collective determination to make do with what was available. The Ministry of Supply, in its efforts to encourage individuals to conserve resources, understood that even the most mundane of items, like paintbrushes and glue, could make a significant impact on the war effort. This powerful and evocative poster is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and resourcefulness of the home front during World War II. Its simple yet effective design continues to resonate with us today, as we grapple with the challenges of conservation and sustainability in our own time.
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