The Origin of Keep Calm and Carry On: A Timeless Message

In this day and age, it's not uncommon to see 'Keep Calm and Carry On' plastered on mugs, posters, and even t-shirts. But how did this iconic phrase become a global phenomenon? To answer that question, we need to take a step back in time to the year 2005.

That was when I first discovered the phrase, Susie Steiner, author and former Guardian journalist, revealed during her writing retreat in Devon. The poster had been on display at Barter Books, a tiny bookshop in Alnwick, where Steiner worked at the time. She took an instant liking to it and decided to feature it in a roundup of home decor items for the Guardian's Weekend magazine.

The phrase itself was created during World War II as part of Britain's Ministry of Information's efforts to boost morale. Designed by Edward Penfold, a civil servant, the original poster read: 'Keep Calm and Carry On,' with a regal crown at the top. The message was meant to be a rallying cry for the British people, reminding them to remain calm in the face of adversity.

Fast-forward to 2005, when Steiner first stumbled upon the poster. At the time, it was just a local hit, with only a few orders coming in each month. But things changed dramatically when Steiner wrote about it in her article for the Guardian. Suddenly, the demand skyrocketed, and Barter Books found themselves struggling to keep up.

The phenomenon continued to spread, with people around the world jumping on the bandwagon, creating parodies, and even copying the design. By 2006, 'Keep Calm' had become an international sensation, with mugs, t-shirts, and other merchandise bearing the iconic phrase.

So why did it resonate so strongly with people? According to Steiner, it's because it's a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a little bit of calm in our lives. And at a time when the world seems to be spinning out of control, that message has never been more relevant.

In recent years, the phrase has taken on new significance, with people using it as a rallying cry during times of crisis. And while some might argue that it's become cliché, Steiner believes that its timeless resonance lies in its simplicity and universality.

As she so eloquently put it: 'It's cheaper than antidepressants.' And who can argue with that?

Origin of keep calm and carry on