Vintage Make Do and Mend Poster Print

Make Do and Mend was a British Government campaign giving tips on making the most of limited resources during the Second World War, such as not wasting water and turning off lights as well as carrying out simple repairs to make things last longer. We’ve added the Make Do and Mend caption to the vintage American Use it up, Wear it Out, Make it do! poster issued in 1944 by the United States Office of War Administration. The poster shows a typical American suburban couple outside on the lawn. The man is bending over to oil the lawnmower while his thrifty wife in a chic Forties yellow dress takes the opportunity to mend a tear on the back of his pants! We’re wondering if she’s a bit color blind because it looks as if she’s torn a strip off his red shirt tail and is using it to patch his blue trousers! Still, needs must!