6.17.2011

WPA Style

Introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 as part of the New Deal, the Works Projects Administration (WPA) employed millions of workers to carry out public works projects during the Great Depression. Since its demise in 1943, the lasting legacy of the WPA has become the bold, graphic posters they produced to publicize the war effort, health and educational programs, the arts, etc.

I have long been a fan of this instantly recognizable, oft-imitated design style. So I was quite excited to discover that the Library of Congress maintains a huge online gallery of vintage WPA posters. I immensely enjoyed looking through them all, and pulled out a handful of favorites to share.

I can't get enough of these old war posters.

The most frequently addressed topic after WWII was treating syphilis, which apparently is what wiped out the dinosaurs.

I know what you're thinking. M. Night Shyamalan totally ripped this off.

Is it just me, or does this poster exhibition look kinda painful?

Just in case you were thinking about it.

I'm sorry, but that baby is anything but helpless. In fact, I'm kinda worried it's gonna eat my soul.

'Nuff said.

This poster does not reflect the opinions of The Dave & Kristen Show. Comments are encouraged as always.

3 comments:

beccarose said...

The second to last one strangely resembles a headless Mr. Monopoly.

Christie said...

Ha..the public health lover in me is drawn to the syphillis poster (but probably wouldn't hang it in my living room)

I have always loved the National Parks posters from the WPA series & actually do have 2 prints in my family room..

Dave said...

I had the exact same thought about Mr. Monopoly. He must have had to include his head in a deal to pay off landing on boardwalk.