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Bookseller discovers rare wartime Keep Calm and Carry On poster

Stuart Manley, who owns Barter Books in Alnwick, Northumberland, liked the red and white Second World War propaganda poster much that he framed it and hung it up in his shop. It is one of only two original prints known to have survived after the Government reconsidered releasing the poster and pulped the original print run.

To his astonishment, Mr Manley was inundated with customers desperate to have a copy or buy the original.

He decided to make and sell a facsimile version and, since then, has sold over 40,000 copies alongside hundreds of mugs, T-shirts, mouse mats, tea towels and postcards.

The original poster was commissioned by the British Government's Ministry of Information in spring 1939, and was intended to offer the public reassurance as war approached.

As well as the now-famous Keep Calm and Carry On design, a further two were printed, reading: "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory", and the more simple "Freedom is in Peril".

A total of 2.5 million red and white posters were printed, but never officially issued.

Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)