Mental illness poster, London, England, 1978-1981

Poster entitled 'Mental illness is class conscious', published by the East London Health project, design by Peter Dunn and Loraine Leeson, 1970s.

The East London Health project used this poster to highlight the dangers of mental illness among poorer members of society. It states: ‘Mental illness is class conscious’. This means it is likelier to affect those on lower incomes from deprived areas. The project was initiated by the East London Trades Councils. It wanted to inform the local population about financial cuts being made to the National Health Service. It also wanted to show how cuts would affect mental health care provision in their area.

The poster shows a woman smoking a cigarette. Part of her face is blocked out. It was one of eight designed by artists Peter Dunn and Loraine Leeson. The poster campaign was widely distributed. It also exhibited in ‘Issue - Social Strategies by Women Artists’ in 1980 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.