The print collection in McGill Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections includes some 250 Canadian posters from both World Wars. They can be viewed in person and online.
WWI Canadian poster by Frank Lucien Nicolet (1887-?). Rare Books and Special Collections, McGill Library, Montreal.
WWI
During the First World War, the imagery of Canada’s posters was similar to that of British war posters in themes and design. Canada’s posters also targeted specific groups, such as French Canadians, Irish Canadians, and Canadians of Scottish descent. The bulk of WWI posters encouraged men to enlist and the public to buy Victory Bonds.
WWII
In the Second World War, Canadian posters reflected the fact that Canada was not under attack by an aggressor on its own turf. Whereas some countries’ war posters portrayed violence in graphic detail, Canada’s posters generally avoided such direct images. While many war posters encouraged enlistment and financial support of the war effort, others encouraged workers to increase productivity and issued appeals for discretion and secrecy.
The posters can be searched online by World War, category, artist, or keyword.
