recto: Beware ; verso: Your own hands are best... Accession Number: ARTV01663

Description

One of over 200 accident prevention posters issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) aimed at workers in the industrial factories and workshops supplying the British War effort. During the war, it was important to have each work-age individual available for work. This is one of a number of posters that caution against reckless behavior.

This poster is printed on both sides. One design features a large artificial hand holding a clear banner inscribed with the words 'Your own hands are best'. It was designed by G.R Morris. The verso of this poster is a design by Pat Keely for the same campaign. It depicts an industrial cable with a clawed animal paw behind it. A yellow tag with the word 'BEWARE' is attached to the cable. Presumably the poster is warning industrial workers to ensure that cables do not fray.

The influence of surrealism is apparent in these designs. All ROSPA's industrial posters where printed by Loxley Brothers of Sheffield.

Details

Conflicts

• Second World War, 1939-1945

Places

• United Kingdom

Tags

• Industrial safety
• Home front