Keep Calm And Carry On: Textiles On The Home Front In WWII Britain

During a time of extreme hardship, rationing, and deprivation in World War II Britain, textiles were put into service as designers created fashions to save on essential wartime materials, and injected style and beauty into the harsh realities of wartime life. Keep Calm and Carry On offered a rare glimpse into a time when beauty (in measured amounts) was not frivolous—it was a patriotic duty!

This exhibition was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston with the support of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf. The Golder Family Foundation is lead sponsor for all Illinois Holocaust Museum special exhibitions. Additional local support provided by Rotarians for Peace, in honor of Rotarian Sir Nicholas Winton. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Victory Print dress, Britain, 1945
Arnold Lever for Jacqmar
Gift of Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Photography © 2013 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston