1938 Buy Christmas Seals Protect Your Home From Tuberculosis Lloyd Coe

Date: 1938
Artist: Coe, Lloyd 
Size (in): 26" x 19"
Size (cm): 66 x 48.25
Condition: A-
Linen backed: No

This vintage original poster promoting the sale of Christmas Seals was created by Massachusetts born artist Lloyd Coe for the National Tuberculosis Association’s 1938 campaign.    For this poster Coe renders a Modernist image of a mother lighting a Christmas candle as her young children look on over text that reads: 

BUY CHRISTMAS SEALS PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM TUBERCULOSIS 

The idea of raising funds to combat the dreaded disease of Tuberculosis through the sale of decorative Christmas themed stamps was developed in Denmark in the early 20th century.  The program caught on in the United States beginning in Delaware in 1907 and grew into a national effort that continues today although the current focus in on combating lung diseases generally rather than just tuberculosis.  This vintage original poster was issued folded and shows light handling wear and a small abraded area on the tip of the lower left corner.   The colors remain vibrant and coverall condition is very good.