Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War

About

Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War 
AntikBar Poster Exhibition 8 March-9 May 

AntikBar, the original vintage poster specialist, is holding this exhibition focusing on the role of women during World War Two featuring posters issued by both Allied and Axis powers, in particular the UK, USA, USSR and some Nazi-occupied countries. Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War will be held from International Women’s Day to Victory Day (8 March to 9 May) at their gallery in Chelsea London.

Labour shortages on the home front during WWII led to dramatic changes to the role of women in society. Jobs in factories, agriculture, nursing and other vital military and civilian industries that were previously seen as occupations mainly for men were now opened up to women. Posters played a big part in the publicity campaigns, using patriotic appeal to encourage women to help win the war and secure victory by joining the workforce. 

The exhibition will show how poster design and visual messaging varied in the different countries depending on the impact of war on the population and the roles of women in the conflict. Although they replaced men in the war production in all countries, women’s day-to-day realities were very different. 

One of the first countries to declare war on Nazi Germany, Britain suffered extensive bombing during the Blitz, as well as food shortages and rationing. The duties of women concentrated on providing support to the troops, handling war logistics and health and safety measures. The imagery of British posters emphasises practical efforts rather than damage and destruction; the presence of the enemy is felt but not witnessed. 

In contrast, the Soviet Union was partially occupied by Nazi troops and its population experienced war and violence first-hand. Women were engaged in battle, abused by the occupants, and subjected to bombing and severe food shortages. Reflecting this reality, the poster messaging is explicit, often violent and brutal, and women are depicted directly fighting the enemy. 

In America daily life during the war was mostly affected by the rationing of food, gasoline, tyre and nylon stockings. The poster designs are often stylish and glamorous, elevating participation in the war effort. 

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Programme of Events & Talks

Wednesday 30 March – Hidden Stories of Women in WWII: Kate Clements, curator of the new Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum, will give a talk on untold stories using first-hand testimonies from veterans, eyewitnesses and survivors. Details and tickets (in support of Salute Her) at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kate-clements-talk-on-the-hidden-stories-of-women-in-wwii-tickets-270977068707

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is wartime-women-the-khaki-cabaret-antikbar-2022.jpg  Wednesday 27 April – Wartime Women The Khaki Cabaret: The actress and singer Fiona-Jane Weston will present a performance that plays homage to the courageous women of wartime Britain, an affectionate tribute with song, poetry and personal accounts from real women of the time. Details and tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wartime-women-the-khaki-cabaret-tickets-269547402537​

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The exhibition is free and will be open during their gallery opening hours. More information and features will be posted on their website and social media in the lead up to, and during, the exhibition. 

AntikBar - Original Vintage Posters, 404 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW10 0LJ www.AntikBar.co.uk 

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