Poster; Harvest, by John Walter West, 1916

This poster was published by the Underground Electric Railway Company during the First World War. Underground posters had taken on a propaganda function in addition to their publicity role. Many were overtly patriotic and designed to boost public morale. Some, like this one, carried a more subtle message. They presented images of British customs, traditions and characteristics and were sent to British troops abroad to be put up in their army billets. Their official purpose was to 'awaken thoughts of pleasant homely things'. John Walter West presents a romantic scene of the British countryside during the harvest. The only indication of its being wartime is that the harvesting is being carried out by women.