Posters featuring the slogan Keep Calm and Carry On, once distributed throughout London during
World War II, have seen resurgence in popularity. The iconic design is
recognized by its recognized by the capital lettering set against a bold red
backdrop with a crown atop the text. It is near impossible to go a day without
seeing a tote bag, coffee mug, or Web page (namely the Visual Rhetoric course
site) sporting the statement. Though the intended message has long been
forgotten, the posters’ minimalist design has enabled the creation of countless
incarnations and has popularized a style of design from a bygone era.
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Given the number of variations that have come about since
the documents’ publication in the 1930s, relatively few people likely know of
their original utilitarian purpose. In fact, few people would probably credit
it as being a government-issued document as it is bold, clever, and classic due to its sleek font and vivid coloring. The
posters’ simplicity and timelessness will keep Keep Calm and Carry On in the cultural lexicon for some time.
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