The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament became one of Britain's first mass movements. (Picture courtesy of CND)
It is a simple design that is now renowned the world over as a symbol for peace and for campaigning against nuclear weapons.
Perhaps the artist Gerald Holtom would never have realised how widespread the image would be when he offered to come up with designs for the Twickenham branch of the newly established Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in February, 1958.
Originally he had sought to use a Christ-like crucifix inside the circle, which would have looked very different indeed.
But instead, the Royal College of Art graduate turned to semaphore flags as his guide to creating a lasting image, using the signals for “N” and “D” to come up with the new symbol.
It was unveiled before the Campaign’s first march to the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Berkshire countryside.
Perhaps the artist Gerald Holtom would never have realised how widespread the image would be when he offered to come up with designs for the Twickenham branch of the newly established Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in February, 1958.
Originally he had sought to use a Christ-like crucifix inside the circle, which would have looked very different indeed.
But instead, the Royal College of Art graduate turned to semaphore flags as his guide to creating a lasting image, using the signals for “N” and “D” to come up with the new symbol.
It was unveiled before the Campaign’s first march to the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Berkshire countryside.
The logo was unveiled in February 1958. (Picture courtesy of CND)
What I hadn’t known before, was the Gerald Holtom had moved to the nearby town of Hythe in 1962, and lived there until his death in 1985. He is buried in the Spring Lane Cemetery in the coastal town.
I spoke with Folkestone historian Mark Hourahane about the artist’s legacy for people in the town. He said: “His connection to Hythe is important for us to remember, it was one design job which has left a lasting impression around the world.
“You see pictures from protests around the world, such as in China, where you can’t understand the writing, but you see the symbol and you then know the reason they are protesting. The symbol is hugely important.”
Perhaps the symbol has lost some of its original meaning as being a tool to organise people as part of a campaign calling for unilateral nuclear disarmament.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the movement grew and in terms of political polling the highest number of people supported scrapping the arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and working for a world free of the terror of nuclear war.
I spoke with Folkestone historian Mark Hourahane about the artist’s legacy for people in the town. He said: “His connection to Hythe is important for us to remember, it was one design job which has left a lasting impression around the world.
“You see pictures from protests around the world, such as in China, where you can’t understand the writing, but you see the symbol and you then know the reason they are protesting. The symbol is hugely important.”
Perhaps the symbol has lost some of its original meaning as being a tool to organise people as part of a campaign calling for unilateral nuclear disarmament.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the movement grew and in terms of political polling the highest number of people supported scrapping the arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and working for a world free of the terror of nuclear war.
Gerald Holtom is buried in the coastal town of Hythe in Kent. (Picture courtesy of Mark Hourahane)
The logo for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, designed by artist Gerald Holtom. (Picture courtesy of CND) Even amidst the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, thousands joined the annual march at Aldermaston to Trafalgar Square.
It was one of the largest mass movements that drew on wide sectors of public support, from radical anarchists, revolutionary socialists, and communists to liberals and pacifist campaigners.
But what is interesting, as CND marks its 60th anniversary, is how the symbol for the campaign has been adopted by successive social movements and protest campaigns.
In the United States it took on a meaning of “peace” but was also a widely used logo in civil rights struggles and the anti-Vietnam war movement.
This carries on right through to the present day, as many banners of protesters against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and campaigners against Britain renewing its Trident nuclear missiles capability show.
It was one of the largest mass movements that drew on wide sectors of public support, from radical anarchists, revolutionary socialists, and communists to liberals and pacifist campaigners.
But what is interesting, as CND marks its 60th anniversary, is how the symbol for the campaign has been adopted by successive social movements and protest campaigns.
In the United States it took on a meaning of “peace” but was also a widely used logo in civil rights struggles and the anti-Vietnam war movement.
This carries on right through to the present day, as many banners of protesters against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and campaigners against Britain renewing its Trident nuclear missiles capability show.
The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the prospect of a nuclear war. (Picture from Wiki Commons)
CND general secretary Kate Hudson said: “The iconic CND symbol is instantly recognisable to millions across the globe. The Aldermaston marches popularised this highly distinctive yet simple design.
“It took hold in the public imagination because of the sense of urgency about the growing dangers of nuclear weapons - never before had a mass movement and symbol become so quickly entwined. It was there at the beginning and it is with us now.
“Its meaning is constantly renewed as the struggle continues, over Trident replacement, against military interventions – and to prevent a looming nuclear war.”
“It took hold in the public imagination because of the sense of urgency about the growing dangers of nuclear weapons - never before had a mass movement and symbol become so quickly entwined. It was there at the beginning and it is with us now.
“Its meaning is constantly renewed as the struggle continues, over Trident replacement, against military interventions – and to prevent a looming nuclear war.”
CND General Secretary Kate Hudson. (Picture courtesy of CND)
Marchers at Aldermaston Atomic Facility. (Picture courtesy of CND)
CND has organised a tour to promote the history of the logo across Britain, and it will visit more than 20 towns and locations. It has been named the Now More Than Ever tour to reaffirm the importance of fighting for a world free of nuclear weapons.
What I like about it, is the fact it has been adopted in subsequent struggles, both against war and imperialism but also in domestic politics.
For the left, while there will also be divisions about effective actions, resistance and protest, I think this one symbol is an example of how many different fights can be linked, and how those who seek to make the world a better place can find common cause with others around the globe.
What I like about it, is the fact it has been adopted in subsequent struggles, both against war and imperialism but also in domestic politics.
For the left, while there will also be divisions about effective actions, resistance and protest, I think this one symbol is an example of how many different fights can be linked, and how those who seek to make the world a better place can find common cause with others around the globe.
CND was the first mass movement that has also influenced anti-war and anti-imperialist struggle in Britain since. (Picture courtesy of CND)
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