Lost propaganda poster that became a modern icon

Feb 16 2009 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

THE discovery of a long-forgotten wartime poster has proved a profitable find for a second-hand book dealer in Northumberland.

Bookseller Stuart Manley found the folded poster in a box of books he bought at auction in 2000.

Eight years on the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ message – printed on the eve of the Second World War but never displayed – has become a symbol of the 21st Century.

Celebrities including Top Gear presenter James May have been spotted wearing a “Keep Calm and Carry On” T-shirt, and Stuart has sold the poster to embassies across the world and even to 10 Downing Street.

Mr Manley, who runs Barter Books in Alnwick, has now sold more than 40,000 copies as well as hundreds of mugs, T-shirts, mouse mats, tea towels and postcards.

There is only one other known original copy of the poster in circulation, but little did Mr Manley known that his discovery would lead to the constant production line of copying, wrapping, posting and invoicing.

Mr Manley, who owns the shop with his wife Mary, said: “I showed it to my wife and we both thought it was quite wonderful so we had it framed and put up in the shop. As soon as we put it up, a lot of people wanted to buy it off us.

“It was in excellent condition even though it had been folded. I can’t believe it survived 50 years without being damaged. I love the Britishness of it, we just thought it was lovely. It is resonant with modern life.”