Please let passengers off the car first Accession Number: ARTV02223

Description

Depicts a man with a suitcase, who in his rush to board a train, knocks over another passenger. The image is surrounded with a simple red border, and the simple layout has the effect of delivering the message in an amusing but clear fashion. British Second World War poster. One of a series of posters by Cyril Kenneth Bird (1887-1965) that focus on public manners and social customs. Bird, who was a Punch cartoonist, took on the 'Fougasse' pseudonym in the First World War, after the French term for a small land mine 'which might or might not hit the mark'. His approach to the propaganda poster was based on overcoming three obstacles. He wrote: 'Firstly, a general aversion to reading any notice of any sort; secondly, a general disinclination to believe that any notice, even if it was read, can possibly be addressed to oneself; thirdly, a general unwillingness even so to remember the message long enough to do anything about it.'

In overcoming these obstacles, Fougasse used a simple approach: humour, simple stylisation and the uncomplicated communication of messages.

This British Second World War poster is one of a series produced to inspire patriotism in citizens through inspirational depictions of military operations.

This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government.

Details

Accession Number
ARTV02223
Publisher
London Underground Railways
Printer
Fosh & Cross Ltd.
Classification
Art
Object Type
Poster
Measurement
Overall: 63 cm x 50.5 cm
Medium
photolithograph on paper
Date Made
1944
Place Made
Whole/Part
Whole
Item Count
1
Credit Line
Donated 1945
Copyright
Unlicensed copyright

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Last modified: 7 September 2025 - 11.47 pm