The "Scrap of Paper" Accession Number: ARTV00423

Description

British poster depicting the 'scrap of paper' signed by representatives of the Six Powers (Russia, France, Britain, Germany, Belgium, Austria) at the Treaty of London in 1839. The treaty was intended to guarantee the neutrality and independence of Belgium. It was later dismissed as a 'scrap of paper' by the German Chancellor Bethmann-Hollwegg in 1914.
The depiction of the 'scrap of paper' is designed to appear as a reproduction of the original: next to each signature is affixed the red seal of representative countries. The white paper of the treaty is highlighted against the dark green background. The individual signatures read as Palmerston (Britain) Sylvain Van De Weyer (Belgium), Senfft (Austria), H Sebastiani (France), Bülow (Germany). and Pozzo Di Borgo (Russia). The poster urges men to enlist because, 'The Germans have broken their pledged word and devastated Belgium. Help to keep your Country's honour bright by restoring Belgium her liberty'.

Details

Accession Number
ARTV00423
Artist
Unknown
Publisher
Parliamentary Recruiting Committee
Printer
Johnson Riddle & Co
Classification
Art
Object Type
Poster
Measurement
Overall: 73.6 cm x 48.2 cm
Medium
chromolithograph on paper
Date Made
1914
Place Made
Whole/Part
Whole
Item Count
1
Copyright
Copyright expired - public domain

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Last modified: 25 August 2025 - 12.26 am