War propaganda posters to go under hammer in Lewes (From The Argus)

War propaganda posters to go under hammer in Lewes

11:30am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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A RARE collection of Second World War propaganda posters is to go under the hammer.

The 150 prints, bearing such morale-boosting slogans as Mightier Yet and Keep Calm And Carry On, are being sold by Wallis and Wallis Auction Galleries in Lewes next week.

Auctioneer Roy Butler said they were taken in by a relative of a worker who saved them from being thrown away during a clear-out at a print firm.

He said: “They are all in mint condition and are a very rare find.

“I expect there will be a lot of interest from museums all around the country.

“I should think some of these posters may not have even been seen before so they are very special.”

Many are part of the Back Them Up range of posters aimed at encouraging civilians to join the armed forces.

Others bear extracts from Winston Churchill’s speeches such as “We shall not fail”

while some carry warnings such as Tell Nobody – Not Even Her, Careless Talk Costs Lives and Keep Mum – She’s Not Dumb.

Mr Butler expects each lot of about ten posters to sell for up to £250, although there is “no real yardstick” as he has not known of such a collection to go on sale before.

The auction will take place at 11am next Tuesday.