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Fine Art Print : Old Bill and Co. August 1940
Fine Art Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Old Bill and Co. August 1940
" Hey! Mind what yer doin ! Thats the second time you ve got me with that fifth column o yours!"
Bruce Bairnsfather pokes fun at rumours of German spies, as well as the bungling reputation of the Home Guard. Note that the armbands have LDV written on them: the Local Defence Volunteers were officially renamed the Home Guard in July 1940, but the old armbands remained in circulation long after.
1940
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14405542
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bayonet Bill Bruce Columns Dads Defence Defense Fence Guard Mockery Mocks Satire Satirical Sep16 Spies Spying Volunteers
20"x16" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Step back in time with our latest addition to the Media Storehouse Fine Art Prints collection: "Old Bill and Co. August 1940" by Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans. This charming print, featuring the iconic cartoon character Old Bill created by Bruce Bairnsfather, brings a touch of wartime humor to your home. With Old Bill's signature wit and sass, he playfully pokes fun at rumors of German spies, transporting us back to a time of resilience and camaraderie. Add this timeless piece to your decor and bring a piece of history into your living space.
20x16 image printed on 26x22 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 36.3cm x 50.8cm (14.3" x 20")
Estimated Product Size is 55.9cm x 66cm (22" x 26")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
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> Historic
> World War I and II
> World War II
> Humour
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EDITORS COMMENTS
August 1940: A Moment of Humor Amidst the Tensions of the Home Front This print by renowned British cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather, published by the Illustrated London News Ltd, offers a humorous take on the heightened tensions and rumors of German spies during World War II. The scene depicts Old Bill, a recurring character in Bairnsfather's cartoons, as he reprimands an unseen figure with a raised hand and the words, "Hey! Mind what yer doin'! That's the second time you've got me with that fifth column of yours!" The humor in this image lies not only in Old Bill's suspicion of spies but also in the bungling reputation of the Home Guard, as evidenced by the LDV (Local Defence Volunteers) armbands worn by Old Bill and his companion. Although the Home Guard was officially renamed the Home Guard in July 1940, the old armbands remained in circulation long after. Bairnsfather's cartoon masterfully mocks the fears and misunderstandings that pervaded the British home front during the early stages of the war. The image of Old Bill, a symbol of the ordinary British citizen, poking fun at the rumors of German spies adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise tense atmosphere of the time. This print, with its satirical commentary on the war effort, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and humor of the British people during World War II. The fence and bayonet in the background further emphasize the sense of vigilance and preparedness that defined the home front during this period.
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