Lot 44

Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), Careless Talk Costs Lives. Group of 6 posters. Circa 1940.

Previous image preload Next image preload

Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), Careless Talk Costs Lives. Group of 6 posters. Circa 1940.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800

Starting Bid: $900

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
July 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010

Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird)
1887-1965
Careless Talk Costs Lives. Group of 6 posters. Circa 1940.

Condition varies, generally A- / A: paper, some thinner paper.

"Whilst studying engineering at Kings College, London, Cyril Kenneth Bird also attended evening classes in art in order to follow his preferred profession as an artist. He joined the Royal Engineers in 1914 but was badly wounded at Gallipoli in 1916. During his recuperation he started producing cartoons; these were published in Punch and other magazines and established his future career. He adopted the name 'Fougasse' from a small land mine used by the Royal Engineers which might or might not hit the mark. From 1937 to 1948, he was Art Editor for Punch. During the Second World War, Bird devoted himself to producing propaganda of all kinds for nearly all government ministries as well as many charities. All of his work was given free. The poster design demonstrates the need to attract public attention in the face of an onslaught of posters. The humor is quick and the wide margin and red border give the image space to be noticed. Bird's work, especially the 'Careless Talk' posters, was widely appreciated both during and after the war" ( Imperial War Museum).

Images available upon request. IWM II p. 30, Zeman p. 59, War Posters p. 172, MoMA 218.1943, Pollack p. 266-9, Rhodes p. 125, V&A AR.1:4-2006.

  • Dimensions: Each approximately 12½x8 inches, 31¾x20¼ cm.
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
32.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
27.00%
$1,000,001+:
17.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000