Honour & Memory: Design for Remembrance

Wartime Telegram Reproductions

Brief:

As part of a local Remembrance event, I was commissioned to recreate a series of realistic WWII-era telegrams to be used in a static exhibition. The aim was to replicate the exact visual style and emotional tone of official military communications sent to families during the 1940s. These telegrams were not simply decorative – they were meant to tell a personal story, with one example informing a fictional recipient that a soldier was wounded in action.

Design Process:

• I studied original 1940s British Army and Post Office telegrams, replicating typewriter text, paper textures, royal insignia, and regional postmarks (e.g. “LONDON WHITEHALL” stamp dated 1941).

• Both the front and reverse were reproduced, including authentic layout and wording of the “NOTICE TO THE SENDER” section.

• I used period-authentic language and kept all text formatting consistent with wartime military style, ensuring it could convincingly pass as original.

• Elements such as numbering, war office senders, and field post terminology were hand-typeset for realism.

Outcome:

The finished pieces were printed at high resolution onto aged-style card stock and displayed during the Remembrance exhibition. They were also used as part of educational outreach for local schools visiting the display.

“Redditch Remembers” Display Poster

Brief:

The brief for this public-facing poster was to produce something that respectfully commemorated the Remembrance display created by local knitting and craft groups, while also delivering a clear message to the public to respect the site.

Design Execution:

• The final poster features a stylised silhouette of a British soldier standing amid a field of large red poppies, with a subtle grey diagonal motif that nods to sombre reflection.

• The colour palette was restricted to red, green, black, and muted grey tones for visual contrast and solemnity.

• Text was kept minimal but clear, reinforcing the purpose of the display and kindly requesting the public not to disturb the poppies or let dogs foul the area.

• A blend of serif fonts added dignity and respect, while maintaining modern legibility.

Client Feedback:

“These were just what we needed – they added such professionalism and dignity to our event. We had so many positive comments from the public and the telegrams were particularly moving. Thank you for helping us bring the remembrance to life with such care and accuracy.”

Summary:

This project was a powerful reminder of how graphic design can connect with the past while serving a present-day community purpose. From painstaking historic reproduction to clear public messaging, these designs balanced accuracy, respect, and visual impact.

📌 Displayed during: Redditch Remembrance Event, November 2025