Lord Kitchener Wants You
Alfred Leete’s 1914 image of the War Secretary pointing at the viewer – one of the most imitated posters.
When the First World War broke out Britain had no conscription, and the army needed volunteers. Alfred Leete drew the War Secretary Lord Kitchener pointing straight out of the picture.
The image was copied in many countries, most famously in the American Uncle Sam poster of 1917. How widely it was actually used as a poster during the war has been debated by historians.
Materials: Magazine cover and print on paper
Manufacture: First published as the cover of London Opinion in September 1914, then printed as a poster and postcard.
A finger pointing straight at the viewer, whose eyes seem to follow you.
A large moustache and uniform cap.
Very little text: Your country needs you.