In our 21st century world of spin doctors and fake news, the morale-boosting propaganda produced during wartime, as quaint as it seems now, can be said to have taken on a new relevance.

100 years ago today The Ministry of Information was first formed, towards the end of the First World War. It was re-formed during the Second World War and its headquarters were at Senate House in Bloomsbury, pictured above.

The Ministry of Information was the central government department responsible for issuing publicity and propaganda, designed to boost morale at home and influence perception abroad.

The most famous example of the Ministry of Information's work didn't even make it onto the streets of Britain, but everyone has heard of Keep Calm and Carry On.

Watch this video with art curator Claire Brenard on the truth behind the Keep Calm and Carry On poster.

Scroll down to find out more about one of the Second World War's most well-known propaganda poster designers...

CARELESS TALK COSTS LIVES

The man they called Fougasse

This poster was designed in 1942 by cartoonist Cyril Kenneth Bird, better known as Fougasse. He took the name from small land mines used by his regiment the Royal Engineers.

He had joined the First World War in 1914 but was badly wounded in Gallipoli. It was during his recuperation that he started producing cartoons, many of which were published in Punch, establishing his future career.

The go-to propagandist

From 1937 to 1948, Bird was Art Editor for Punch. During the Second World War, he devoted himself to producing propaganda of all kinds for nearly all Government Ministries as well as many Charities.

What's more, all the work he produced he did free of charge.

More than posters

Bird's designs and slogans were so popular that they were often made into clothing, including scarves and handkerchiefs. This blue and red handkerchief features various of his well-known cartoons.

What's on at IWM...

Short Film Festival

Entries are open for IWM Short Film Festival 2018, a showcase of imaginative, moving and challenging films inspired by IWM’s collections and the cause, course and consequences of conflict.

Don't miss out on our Early Bird offerif you submit your film before 28 February 2018.

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