recto: The Mediaeval Quack wore this...; verso: Worn tools are "Quislings"... Accession Number: ARTV03525

Description

Double sided work safety poster commissioned by the Royal Society for the Prevention for Accidents and issued by the Ministry for National Labour and Service during the Second World War. Doublesided printing was employed as a way to address wartime paper shortages.

The design on the recto is by G.R Morris and encourages workers to seek first aid immediately following an accident to ensure that wounds don't get infected. On the verso is a design by F. Kenwood Giles featuring a line up of commonly used workshop tools standing to attention each bearing an iron cross. A shadowy silhouette of a German officer giving a Nazi salute is in the lower right corner. A "quisling" was a term given to a traitor or person who collaborates with the enemy occupying force. It is a humorous reminder of the importance of keeping tools in good working order and to replace those that have worn out.

Details

Conflicts

• Second World War, 1939-1945

Places

• United Kingdom

Tags

• Headdress
• Antiquities
• First aid
• Industrial safety
• Home front