About the Artist
The Dominion Scientific Temperance Committee was active in the early twentieth century, operating within the broader temperance movement that sought to influence public attitudes toward alcohol. Their work focused on creating educational materials designed to inform and persuade, using accessible graphics and straightforward messaging to reach a wide audience. Rather than producing fine art, the committee contributed to the history of public health communication, blending civic design with the strategies of early advertising.
As a producer of social-reform ephemera, the committee occupies a unique place at the intersection of visual culture and social history. Their posters, such as this one, are valued today for their documentary significance and graphic clarity, making them a compelling addition for those interested in advertising posters or the evolution of public messaging.
The Artwork
Created in 1912, this temperance poster advocates for the use of non-alcoholic beverages—specifically tea, coffee, chocolate, hot water, and milk—as safe and wholesome daily stimulants. The piece reflects a period when temperance campaigns framed alcohol as both a moral and scientific concern, linking personal choices to broader public health. Its message was intended for everyday environments like kitchens, schools, and community spaces, aiming to guide daily habits and promote national wellbeing.
This artifact stands as a testament to the era’s efforts to shape behavior through practical advice and visual persuasion, and it fits naturally alongside other works in our alcool collection, where social reform and graphic design intersect.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features a clear, instructional layout with vintage illustrations of common hot drinks, arranged in a straightforward manner. The typography is bold and legible, prioritizing easy reading. The color palette is restrained, dominated by light paper tones and dark ink, reminiscent of early twentieth-century pamphlets and wall charts.
The overall mood is earnest and reassuring, presenting everyday beverages as symbols of moderation and health. Its clean, graphic contrast makes it well-suited for those who appreciate black and white wall decor or classic educational prints.
In Interior Design
This vintage temperance poster is especially effective as kitchen wall decor, complementing spaces that blend antique elements with modern design. Its educational and historical character makes it a conversation starter in breakfast areas, pantries, cafés, or home offices.
Pairing it with neutral tones like cream, beige, and charcoal, as well as natural materials, enhances its period charm. It appeals to collectors of vintage print ephemera, enthusiasts of social history, and anyone curating a gallery wall with thoughtful, narrative-driven art.
