| Place | Oceania: Australia, Victoria |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ARTV10237 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 111.2 x 73.4 cm; sheet: 101.6 x 63.4 cm |
| Object type | Poster |
| Physical description | lithograph printed in colour from four zinc plates |
| Maker |
Freedman, Harold F W Niven Pty Ltd |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1947 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Unlicensed copyright |
Men of service [locomotive driver and fireman]
Description
One of a series of eight posters by Harold Freedman commissioned by the Victorian Railways soon after the Second World War. Issued to highlight the contribution of its staff, who kept the railway operational during wartime, to the war effort as many did not have 'returned servicemen' status. The series depicts male and female civilian railway workers via heroic three quarter length portraits doing their job. This poster (No. 244) features a locomotive driver and fireman at work wearing their blue uniforms, including hats and goggles.
The series bears a striking similarities to a 1944 series created by Eric Kennington for London Transport (LT) during the Second World War. Titled ' Seeing it through' this series combined portraits of male and female LT workers with text by poet A.P. Herbert to celebrate LT's contribution to the war effort.