---
title: '"Stay Put" This Summer'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/stay-put-this-summer-uk-1939/
description: 'Two photographs are paired: seashells on sand (''Not these shells..'') above artillery shells on a factory line (''... but THESE'').'
section: Collection
---

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2. [Collection](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/)
3. "Stay Put" This Summer

[!["Stay Put" This Summer, 1939 UK poster: Two photographs are paired](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/stay-put-this-summer-uk-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/stay-put-this-summer-uk-1939.jpg)

# "Stay Put" This Summer

Two photographs are paired: seashells on sand ('Not these shells..') above artillery shells on a factory line ('... but THESE'), with text asking the public to spend summer holidays at home. The tell is the pun on 'shells', which links giving up the seaside holiday to munitions output; the request itself is stated plainly.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Transfer](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/transfer/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
Not these shells..
... but THESE
"STAY PUT" THIS SUMMER
In peace-time the Railways welcome holiday crowds.
This summer holidays should be spent
at home.
RAILWAY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
No. 558
PRINTED IN ENGLAND BY McCORQUODALE & CO. LTD., LONDON
```

[← The "Spirit of Anzac" Calls You: Enlist Now for Overseas Service (Second N.Z. Expeditionary Force)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/spirit-of-anzac-calls-you-nz-1939/) [Steering London Through Daylight & Blackout - Faithfully →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/steering-london-through-daylight-blackout-uk-1939/)

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- [Gypsum alabaster slab inscribed in cuneiform, from Nimrud (Kalhu), reign of Ashurnasirpal II](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/nimrud-slab-ashurnasirpal-ii-inscription-883bce/) (Neo Assyrian Empire · 0000 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
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