'Nuclear Weapon Free Zone' badge

item details

Name'Nuclear Weapon Free Zone' badge

ProductionLawrence Ross QSM; designer; 1981; New Zealand
New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Committee; producer; 1981; New Zealand

Classificationbadges

Materialsmetal, paper, plastic, ink

Techniquesprinting

DimensionsOverall: 44mm (width), 44mm (height), 5mm (depth), 44mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH003650/19

Credit lineGift of Mark Strange, 1989

Overview

This badge succinctly illustrates New Zealand's anti-nuclear position in the 1980s.

Symbolism

CND stands for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, which 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. The New Zealand Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament began in 1959.

Design

The logo was conceived by Larry Ross (1927-2012, Canada/New Zealand), founder of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Committee, based in Christchurch. He recalled that when he was designing the logo, it was hard to position the CND symbol so that it didn't obscure the map of New Zealand.

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 were accessible, mass-produced objects, cheap to make and purchase, easily disseminated, and effective in conveying political messages.