Media    From 21/2/1958 

Peace symbol

Categories: Craft / Design, Peace

Designed by Gerald Holtom as a nuclear disarmament logo for the first Aldermaston March, which took place Easter, 4–7 April 1958.

From the Hackney Gazette: "Gerald had first presented the symbol to his colleagues at the Direct Action Committee against nuclear war (DAC) on February 21, 1958, above the Fish and Cook Stationers in Blackstock Road." This conflicts with Wikipedia which says that Holtom took the design to "his local anti-nuclear group in Twickenham".

Holtom would say his inspiration came from images of people in despair but it can't just be coincidence that the overlaid semaphore symbols of "N" and "D" would form this symbol.

The logo was quickly adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and, since Holtom did not copyright the design, it was used worldwide to represent the desire for nuclear disarmament, and more generally, peace. It is one of the most widely recognised designs in history.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Peace symbol

Commemorated ati

Peace symbol

The peace symbol, designed by Gerald Holtom, adopted here 1958. London Boroug...

Read More

Other Subjects

George Graham

George Graham

Horologist (clockmaker) and maker of scientific instruments. Born near Carlisle. Joined the Tompion household and workshop in about 1696, married Tompion's niece in 1704 and was taken into partne...

Person, Craft / Design

1 memorial
Kenwood and Sons

Kenwood and Sons

Stonemasons of Greenford. Made the replacement 2010 WW1 memorial at Willesden bus garage.

Group, Craft / Design

1 memorial
London A - Z

London A - Z

London street guide. First developed by Phyllis Pearsall, it now covers the Greater London area, roughly within the M25. The picture shows the cover of the first edition.

Media, Community / Clubs, Craft / Design

1 memorial
Piers Nicholson

Piers Nicholson

Sundial designer. Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. His website. The photo is dated 2011. Son of environmentalist Max Nicholson.

Person, Craft / Design

2 memorials