Make do and mend household advice centre

British Second World War poster issued by the Board of Trade advertising 'make-do and mend' household advice centre. By the fourth year of the Second World War Britain experienced a shortage of clothes and materials, largely due to the problems the Merchant Navy were suffering in the North Atlantic and the Channel from German U-Boats. The 'make-do and mend' and the related campaign 'Mrs Sew and Sew' encouraged people to reuse, repair and restore their clothes and household goods illustrated by cartoon characters made of salvage.

This blue, black and white poster is in a long banner format with the title text in the centre framed on either side by two cartoon figures made of salvage. The figure on the right is made up of pieces of sewing equipment including a thimble hat and button face. It is holding a pair of scissors in his left hand and a ball of wool, knitting needles and a banner with the make do and mend slogan inscribed on it in the right. The figure on the left is made up of pots and pans and kitchen utensils. The Board of Trade logo is positioned centre top right.