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It Is Nice In The Surf, But What About The Men In The Trenches? Go And Help
It Is Nice In The Surf, But What About The Men In The Trenches? Go And Help

It Is Nice In The Surf, But What About The Men In The Trenches? Go And Help

Artist (1862 - 1935)
Publisher
Printer (Australian)
Datec 1915
Object number00028525
NamePoster
MediumChromolithograph on paper
DimensionsOverall: 758 x 510 mm, 1.25 kg
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis World War I recruitment poster poster was designed by D H Souter for the Win the War League.The poster sought to evoke feelings of guilt in those who preferred the comforts of home such as body surfing, instead of enlisting and joining their countrymen in the trenches.HistoryPosters have long been used as a means to spread ideas and promote causes. During World War I, they were used to generate patriotism, encourage enlistment and spread propaganda. They spoke from a position of authority to unite people in a common cause, addressing a number of home and war front issues including worker productivity, security, food rations and war bonds. Such posters were displayed in libraries, post offices, schools and factories. Henry Souter, along with artists such as Sydney Long and Norman and Lionel Lindsay was part of a movement known as the Australian Classical revivalists that blended classical figures with iconic Australian landscapes. Their work was closely linked with the nationalism of the pre-Federation and post WW1 periods. Here Souter uses the ideal male figure of the surfer and surf lifesaver to allude to the notion of the fighting ANZAC. SignificanceThe depiction of body surfing in this poster reflects its popularity as a recreational pastime in Australia by 1914.