In 1946, Abram Games left the War Office with a powerful testimonial:
“His work had to be subtly persuasive, or directly ‘propagandist’—but it was always effective, compelling, and of outstanding quality.”
This statement encapsulates the impact of the Games’s wartime designs. As Britain’s Official War Poster Artist during World War II, Captain Games created over 100 posters for the British Army, several of which were adapted by the Ministry of Information for civilian use. His work became synonymous with innovative, hard-hitting, and often controversial wartime propaganda.
The Official War Poster Artist
Games held a unique title in British history—Official War Poster Artist—a role that combined artistic skill with governmental messaging. His posters were designed to inform, inspire, and recruit, using his “Maximum Meaning, Minimum Means philosophy.” Every element of his work was meticulously planned, ensuring the message was striking and instantly understood.
One of his most famous and infamous works, the “Blonde Bombshell” ATS recruiting poster, exemplified his talent for provocation. Featuring a glamorous, confident woman in uniform, the poster aimed to attract more female recruits to the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). However, it was deemed too glamorous and withdrawn—yet it remains one of the most recognizable British wartime posters.
Propaganda as an Art Form
Born to a photographer father, Games incorporated photographic techniques into his poster designs. This blending of photography and graphic art gave his work a distinctive modernist aesthetic, setting his posters apart from traditional war propaganda. His designs were dynamic, often featuring bold typography, high-contrast colors, and powerful compositions.
Unlike many propaganda artists of the era, Games didn’t just rely on patriotic imagery. Instead, he used a sophisticated visual language—often integrating symbolism, surrealist elements, and humor—to engage the viewer on multiple levels. His posters weren’t just posters; they were carefully constructed visual statements.
Abram Games’s Wartime Archive
Despite his work being widely recognized in graphic design, Abram Games: His Wartime Work is the only book dedicated solely to his contributions during WWII. His estate maintains an extensive archive, including:
- A memo from Winston Churchill acknowledging his work
- Personal correspondence and press cuttings
- Original sketches and paintings
- Maps produced for the Army Bureau of Current Affairs
- Rare photographs from his seven years of army service
These artifacts provide deep insight into Games’s creative process and the historical context in which he operated.
A Must-Have for Graphic Design Enthusiasts
Most books on graphic design history feature Games’s posters, but this book stands out as the definitive collection of his wartime work. It is an essential resource for:
- Design students and professionals seeking inspiration from one of the greatest British poster designers
- History buffs interested in how propaganda shaped public perception during WWII
- Collectors of wartime memorabilia and poster art
Games’s legacy continues to influence contemporary graphic design, with his posters often studied as case studies in effective visual communication.
Get Your Copy of Abram Games: His Wartime Work
If you’re fascinated by wartime art and propaganda, this book is a must-read. Click the link below to order your copy today:
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