Printed on Museum-Quality Matte Paper Poster
This image is a World War I-era Canadian propaganda poster, created by the Canada Food Board, promoting food preservation under the slogan:
“Waste Not – Want Not”
“Prepare for Winter”
“Save Perishable Foods by Preserving Now”
🇨🇦 Historical Context
During World War I (1914–1918), the Canadian government, like those of other Allied nations, launched home-front campaigns to support the war effort. Food conservation was a critical issue, as much of the agricultural production was diverted to soldiers overseas or war-impacted countries in Europe.
The Canada Food Board, established in 1917, was tasked with encouraging civilians to:
• Reduce food waste
• Preserve produce (e.g., by canning, drying, or pickling)
• Grow “victory gardens”
• Change their eating habits (e.g., meatless days)
🖼️ Visual Breakdown
• The image features two women, one younger and one older (perhaps symbolizing the passing of wisdom across generations).
• They're surrounded by a bounty of fresh produce and preserved goods in jars—visual reinforcement of self-sufficiency and preparation.
• The phrase “Waste Not – Want Not” was a common moralistic adage urging thrift and responsibility.
💡 Purpose and Legacy
This poster isn’t just about food—it’s about mobilizing the domestic population for wartime efficiency. By framing food preservation as a patriotic act, it turned everyday chores into contributions to national security.
These messages also resonated during the Great Depression and again in World War II, making the visual and moral appeal of this poster iconic and enduring.
Printing Details:
Master's Edition archival paper, in off-white and uncoated, offers museum-quality for art enthusiasts seeking a luxurious way to enjoy world-class artworks:
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Paper Finishing: Matte, uncoated, natural white (off-white).
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Acid-Free: pH above 7 to prevent yellowing over time.
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Paper Weight: 250 gsm (110 lb), Thickness: 0.29 mm (11.4 mils).
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Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified paper for sustainability.
Learn about paper types and their unique textures and finishes here.
