Kiwi CND badge

item details

NameKiwi CND badge

ProductionUnknown; 1980s; New Zealand

Classificationbadges, brooches

Materialsmetal, enamel

Materials SummaryEnamelled metal badge

DimensionsOverall: 11mm (width), 36mm (height), 55mm (length)

Registration NumberGH011853

Credit lineGift of Ken Thomas, 2008

Overview

This badge or brooch cleverly combines the international CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) symbol with the kiwi – the internationally understood symbol of New Zealanders.

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament was launched in London in February 1958. Graphic artist Gerald Holtom designed its symbol – a white circle in a black square. The cross forms a semaphore signal for the letters N and D. It also symbolises 'the little man' standing against the world (the circle). The symbol caught on internationally and has been used ever since to express the desire and determination for universal peace.

Wearing protest

The visual culture of anti-nuclear protest often took form in a range of popular media, including banners, T-shirts, and badges. Badges are accessible, mass-produced objects, cheap to make and purchase, easily disseminated, and effective in conveying political messages.