“COUGHS AND SNEEZES SPREAD DISEASES”: HUMOROUS BRITISH WORLD WAR II POSTER

(WORLD WAR II). Poster: Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases. London: H.M. Stationery Office, circa 1941. Original color broadside poster, measuring 20 by 30 inches, closely framed, measures 22-1/2 by 32-1/2 inches. $4000.

Humorous original World War II poster depicting a World War II munitions factory worker sneezing and her fellow factory workers recoiling in horror, accompanied by the words: "Coughs and sneezes spread diseases. Trap the germs by using your handkerchief. Help to keep the Nation Fighting Fit."

This original 1941 poster shows a factory worker at a munitions factor sneezing hugely while her fellow factory workers look on with dismayed expressions. The phrase "coughs and sneezes spread diseases" was developed in the United States during the 1918 Flu. When World War II began, Britain's Ministry of Health decided to deploy the slogan across the Commonwealth. This is one of many poster designs set in different locations showing that good hygiene was critical to the war effort. Deaccessioned by The Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia.

Faint foldlines and creasing. Near-fine condition.