LONDON.- Specially selected from Imperial War Museums’s collection of over 20,000 posters, this new free app features over 30 of the greatest British posters from the Second World War.

Some of these posters are famous, while others are forgotten gems. But together, their striking design, humour, memorable slogans, and above all defiant spirit, helped to carry Britain through some of its darkest hours.

The app which works with both iPad and iPhones allows users to scroll, pinch and zoom to examine each high resolution poster in detail. Users can discover the hidden stories and creators behind these works with exclusive information from IWM’s expert curators.

The collection includes some of the best-known pieces of 20th century graphic design, as well as now legendary slogans such as Keep Calm and Carry on and Dig for Victory.

If users like what they see, they can share their favourites on twitter and facebook and even order their favourite posters directly from the app.

Richard Slocombe, Senior Art Curator at IWM says “These posters were not only remarkable for their sophisticated communication and proficient design; they played an integral propaganda role. Through their subtle humour, memorable slogans and modernist approach they helped to support a variety of vital wartime initiatives informing the public and building morale.”

Tom Grinsted, Multimedia Manager at IWM says “This app is a fantastic opportunity for audiences to discover some of our vast collections on new platforms and devices. It’s also a great example of the ongoing technical innovation and development that IWM is undertaking, both on our own and with pioneering partners like ArtFinder. Great British Posters, along with new ground-breaking on-gallery technology, other mobile products, and our new website, provides a really sound foundation for future developments and exciting projects coming in 2012."