c.1942 Help Greece Now Greek War Relief Association John Kanelous

Date: c.1942 
Artist: Kanelous, John      
Size (in): 13.375" x 10.125"
Size (cm): 34 x 25.7 
Condition: A-/B+
Linen backed: No 

This is a vintage original WWII era countertop type sign issued by the Greek War Relief Association.   This is a cardboard sign printed one side with an easel arm on the back of the poster which could be extended to prop the sign up for tabletop or countertop display.  This same artwork was also used for poster but this is the rarer tabletop sign version. 

The sign features the image of an ancient Greek woman holding a young child with over text that reads LEST IT BE TOO LATE! HELP GREECE NOW.  Text in the lower margin indicates “Greek War Relief Association, Inc., 730 Fifth Avenue, New York”.   The artwork for this poster was created by Greek American artist John Kanelous whose name is signed in Greek in the lower right corner of the image area.     

The Greek War Relief Association was established in 1940 by Greek film industry mogul Spyros Skouras, Harold Vanderbilt and other prominent Greek Americans to raise funds for the relief in Greece following the Italian and German invasions.  Skouras’s influence in the movie business helped arrange for proceeds from the gala premieres of Gone with the Wind and Disney’s Fantasia to be donated to the Greek War Relief Association.   

This vintage original sign is in excellent condition and looks pretty well unused with just light handling wear and modest toning from age.  The easel arm on the back of the sign looks like it has never been extended.  Overall condition is excellent.  Email any questions.  Thanks for looking.