Keep Calm and Carry On: The Enduring Popularity of a Vintage Poster

In recent years, the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster has become a ubiquitous symbol of British culture, appearing on everything from mugs to t-shirts. But how did this simple phrase gain such widespread popularity? For those who are familiar with its origins, it's easy to see why: the message is timeless and the design is iconic.

When I'm asked why 'Keep Calm and Carry On' became so popular, I always say that it's because it's cheaper than antidepressants. But in all seriousness, the basic message has helped a lot of people. Many people jumped on the bandwagon, creating parodies and variations of the original design. Some of these parodies were amusing, while others were simply annoying.

Despite its widespread popularity, 'Keep Calm and Carry On' was not always a hit. In fact, it took several years for the poster to gain international recognition. It wasn't until 2005 when a reporter from The Guardian featured the poster in a one-page article that it started to gain momentum. For the next two years, it remained a local and regional phenomenon, but it wasn't until 2007 that it became a national hit.

So how did this vintage poster become so popular? It all started with a chance discovery in 2000 when I found the original poster folded up at the bottom of a box of books. I showed it to my wife Mary, and she had it framed and put up in our shop. Since then, we've been making copies of the poster available for purchase.

The original poster was designed in 1939 by His Majesty's Stationery Office on orders from England's Ministry of Information. It was meant to be used during World War II, but the event that would have triggered its release - a German invasion of the British Isles - never happened. As a result, the posters were shredded in 1945, with only a small number saved in the archives of the Imperial War Museum.

Today, you can find 'Keep Calm and Carry On' posters in a variety of sizes and colors, all featuring the original typography and design elements faithfully reproduced. Whether you hang one in your office, den, or dorm, it's sure to bring a sense of calm and serenity into your life.

Keep calm and carry on 1939