Why not start a new trend and be a non-smoker

Poster with an anti-smoking message, illustrated with a cartoon male figure and accompanied by the words 'Why not start a new trend and be a non-smoker', based on a design by Doris Weston, winner of a school's competition, produced by the Central Council for Health Education, London, England, c.1965-1969.

This poster is based on the design created by pupil Doris Weston, who won a school competition. It aimed to discourage smoking as a ‘cool’ habit and was issued in 1965. This same year it became illegal to advertise cigarettes on television. The poster carries the message, ‘Why not start a new trend and be a non-smoker’. It was produced by the Central Council for Health Education, London, England.

Smoking was definitively linked to ill health during the 1950s. Amongst other conditions, it can cause chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, strokes and cancers of the tongue, jaw, stomach, lung and oesophagus.