Poster, 'They Shall Beat Their Swords Into Plowshares'

This poster was made to advertise the work of the Empire Marketing Board (1926-1933). The Board was created by the British Colonial Office to stimulate trade between Britain and its colonies and dominions, and encourage British people to buy goods from within the Empire.

This particular poster was one of a five-part series titled 'The Empire Stands For Peace'. It was designed by James Kerr Lawson in time for Armistice Day in 1929. It was so well received that Queen Elizabeth II was moved to write to Mrs Kerr personally to offer her congratulations to her husband.

Over 800 posters were produced by the Empire Marketing Board. These posters were the British government's first peacetime propaganda campaign since the First World War. They presented the British Empire as a large extended family, where purchasing foods and goods amongst the member nations could help during a period of economic crisis.

Many well-known British and Dominion designers and artists, including E. McKnight Kauffer, Clive Gardiner, Harold Williamson, Charles Pears, Paul and John Nash, and Canadian-born Austin Cooper, were commissioned to produce artwork for the posters. The resulting posters were colourful and painted a world of abundance and vitality. Most of them were displayed in train stations, schools, shops, and factories, primarily in Britain. They were produced as single sheets or as part of large three- and five-part panoramas, often with title banners to accompany them.