Before we get back to my European adventure (a Mediterranean cruise through the Turkish and Greek islands, followed by a stop in London), I wanted to share my latest love with you.
I always find it difficult to find great artwork for my home. It’s rare that I seem to find an affordable piece of art that really speaks to me. I don’t like adorning my walls with art that doesn’t have a special meaning to me, which is why I often opt for photography instead. I once bought three gorgeous photos from a woman selling her works at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, of destinations I dream of visiting. Gazing at them on my living room wall reminds me of dreams I’ve yet to fulfill.
But I recently discovered keepcalmandcarryon.com and I just love this poster. Originally designed by the British government during the Second World War, this poster was meant to strengthen the resolve of the British people, should the Germans invade Great Britain. The poster was never used despite the fact that two and a half million copies were printed. The poster was rediscovered in 2000.
Why do I like it? The message is clear and simple: Keep Calm and Carry On. Whether facing small day-to-day trials or large, life-changing tragedies, for me the words evoke precisely the feeling they say. Keep calm. Carry on. Like it or not, we have no choice but to do just that. I love the simplicity of the words and the enormity of what they say. And of course, their historic significance certainly gives pause.
If you’re interested in the poster, visit keepcalmandcarryon.com for more information. The original poster was printed on a deep red background but I like the one pictured here, with a distressed Union Jack. I love the Union Jack as a design element (remember the umbrella designed by Sir Paul Smith?) and even spent hours on my last trip to London looking for a Union Jack umbrella, one not as expensive as Smith’s version and not as cheap as the thousands sold in the souvenir stalls on the streets. No luck. But I digress. I love the vintage style of the poster pictured here, though it’s available in 12 other colours on keepcalmandcarryon.com. The company is UK-based but they ship internationally and unframed, the posters are only 10 GBP.