Exhibition shows posters of the First World War

A powerful selection of original First World War posters illustrating one of the methods the government directed propaganda, will be on display at Ceredigion Museum from Saturday 6 February.

The exhibition at the museum will contain posters relating to four main concerns in that period, recruitment, shortages of supplies, government finances and morale.

As Carrie Canham, curator at Ceredigion Museum, explains: “The First World War redefined the meaning and scope of propaganda, and the government targeted the general public on an industrial scale. Britain was the most successful of the war’s propagandists employing newspaper owners, editors, writers, poets and eventually filmmakers to spread selected truths and lies.”

Carrie adds: “At this time, the government intervened in all lives in Britain. They introduced the concept of the ‘Home Front’. Recruitment was the dominant theme. Pressure was applied, not just on potential new recruits, but in addition on their families, who were also expected to make the sacrifice. Atrocity stories, as ever, helped to sustain the moral condemnation of the enemy.”

Various poster and propaganda related activities are planned at the museum and information is available about how you can take part.

Posters of the First World War: The Passion, Propaganda and Print can be seen in the main gallery of Ceredigion Museum and is free.

Don’’t forget, the museum has a special film screening of Eisenstein’s historic masterpiece, Battleship Potemkin on Friday 4 March at 7.30pm (£7.00/ £6.00)

For more information about the museum and the special events and activities check the web site or phone 01970 633088 or visit http://museum.ceredigion.gov.uk