Poster; A wish, by George Clausen, 1917

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Main details for this item.

Reference number	1983/4/705
Description	This poster was published by the Underground Electric Railway Company in 1917. During the First World War, Underground posters took on a propaganda function in addition to their publicity role. Many were overtly patriotic and designed to boost public morale. Posters like this one however aimed to communicate in a more private way with a selected audience. Copies would have been sent to British troops in France to decorate their army billets and 'awaken thoughts of pleasant homely things'. The idyllic country scene by George Clausen is quintessentially British and evokes a message of patriotism for a less public arena. The title comes from the poem by Samuel Rogers, which is written beneath. According to Joseph Darracott in 'The First World War in Posters', the lettering may have been by Clausen's daughter, who studied under Edward Johnston.
Artist	George Clausen
Dates	1917
Collection	Posters
Object type	Poster
Location	Acton Depot
Topics	Poems Samuel Rogers Propaganda (world war one) Churches First World War Propaganda
Completeness	84% 84% ?

• Physical description

  Dimensions

  Attribute	Value
  Height	1016mm
  Width	635mm
  Descriptive size	Double royal

  Colour

  Attribute	Value
  Colour	Beige Green Blue

  Item content

  Attribute	Value
  Object title	A wish
  Text	The Underground Railways of London, knowing how many of their passengers are now engaged on important business in France and other parts of the world, send out this reminder of home. Thanks are due to George Clausen R.A. for the drawing. A WISH Mine be a cot beside the hill; A bee-hive's hum shall soothe my ear; A willowy brook that turns a mill, With many a fall shall linger near. The swllow, oft beneath my thatch Shall twitter from her clay-built nest; Oft shall the pilgrim lift the latch, And share my meal a welcome guest. Around my ivied porch shall spring Each fragrant flower that drinks the dew, And Lucy, at her wheel shall sing In russet gown and apron blue. The village church among the trees, Where first our marriage-vows were given, With merry peals shall swell the breeze And point with taper spire to Heaven SAMUEL ROGERS

  Design

  Attribute	Value
  Medium	auto-lithograph

• People involved

  Role	Person(s) involved
  Artist	George Clausen, 1917
  Publisher	Underground Electric Railway Company Ltd, 1917