When the First World War broke out the British Army numbered 45,000, with another 250,000 part time soldiers. The Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, quickly realised the need to recruit and expand the army. The government set up the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in August 1914 and began the campaign to increase recruits to fight for their country. Over the five years of the war, over 100 poster designs were commissioned to encourage and persuade people to do their bit. This exhibition shows a selection of them.
Paper Persuaders: First World War posters runs from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 18 January 2015. The exhibition is part of RAMM’s First World War Centenary 2014-18, a four-year programme of exhibitions, displays, events and activities focuses on the war’s impact on the people and landscape of the Southwest. Developed with regional and national partners, it examines the wider social and cultural changes that have had a lasting effect on our everyday lives. RAMM’s programme is linked to the national partnership of commemorative events www.1914.org.
From time to time galleries will be closed for special events; please check before travelling.
