Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.194.2.3
Object Name
Postcard
Place
RAF Greenham Common; RAF Molesworth
People
Kennard, Peter; Constable, John; Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
Description
Postcard with a colourised photomontage on the front. This shows three nuclear warheads, which have been inserted into the idyllic East Anglian countryside depicted in John Constable's famous painting The Hay Wain (1821). Created by artist Peter Kennard in response to the proposal to house US nuclear cruise missiles in rural East Englia. It was also a response to a Ministry of Defence leaflet that portrayed the missiles in delicate watercolours.
Peter Kennard (born 17 February 1949) is a London born and based photomontage artist and Professor of Political Art. Seeking to reflect his involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement, he turned from painting to photomontage to better address his political views. He is best known for the images he created for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in the 1970sâ80s. The reverse of this postcard reads, "The cruise missile is small enough to be carted round country lanes on transporters from which it can also be fired. Solely under United States control, it will turn huge areas of Britain into a military target. The two bases chosen for the initial missiles - Greenham Common (Berks) and Molesworth (cambs) - have become a focus for opposition to cruise."
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