Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
...Because Somebody Talked!
Artifact IDMO 1971.76.13
Object Type
Poster
Artist
Wesley Frederick Heyman
(American commercial artist, 1918 - 2002)
Maker
U.S. Government Printing Office
(American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body
U.S. Office of War Information
(American, 1942 - 1945)
Date1944
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 28 in x W 20 in (71.1 cm x 50.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA color poster featuring an illustration of a sad Cocker Spaniel resting its head on a sailor's blue Navy uniform collar that is draped over the back of a blue chair. Hanging on the wall behind the dog's head is a gold star service banner with a single star. White text running along the bottom of the illustration reads: …because somebody talked! The artist's facsimile signature is in the lower right: Wesley 43.
The poster was printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, poster no. 1944-O-579038. Distributed for the Issuing Agencies by the Office of War Information.
Historical NoteThis is a rare example of a government poster based on an unsolicited submission. In 1944, commercial artist Wesley Heyman sent the OWI his design for this poster. The agency quickly agreed to produce it. It was also printed in magazines and newspapers. The agency received thousands of requests for reproductions. Heyman’s use of a cocker spaniel may have been influenced by its status as the most popular dog breed in America throughout the 1940s.The poster was printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, poster no. 1944-O-579038. Distributed for the Issuing Agencies by the Office of War Information.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by P. J. Nickel in 1971.
Credit LineGift of P. J. Nickel
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesOriginal Posters from World War I and World War II (National Archives Identifier 739394)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view
