A warm-toned vintage illustration of children playing safely in a garden, with soft greens and muted yellows against a cream background.

Child Safety Prints

Vintage posters designed to educate children about staying safe in gardens, parks, and near traffic.

Teaching Safety Through Art

This category brings together 15 vintage posters from the RoSPA Collection, originally created to help children understand everyday dangers. From road-crossing drills to fire safety at home, these prints capture a distinctive era of public-information design — available as high-quality prints, framed prints, and canvas art delivered worldwide.

A vintage poster of a smiling child on a bicycle with a cycling proficiency certificate, in muted blues and warm ochres.

I've Just Passed My Cycling Test

Art print, framed print & canvas

A vintage road-safety poster showing a bicycle wheel and a cautionary scene, in deep reds and slate greys.

Watch the Back Wheel And Keep on the Path

Art print, framed print & canvas

A mid-century kerb drill illustration with a child looking both ways, in soft pastels and charcoal outlines.

Kerb Drill

Art print, framed print & canvas

A tender poster of a child asking their mother about road safety, rendered in warm sepia and cream tones.

Why do We Look that Way First Mummy?

Art print, framed print & canvas

A farmyard-style poster reminding children to shut gates, in earthy greens and browns.

Keep Gates Shut!

Art print, framed print & canvas

A swimming safety poster with children learning to swim, in cool aqua blues and pale yellows.

Learn to Swim

Art print, framed print & canvas

A bus-stop safety poster showing children waiting patiently, in bold reds and cream.

Wait Until the Bus Stops

Art print, framed print & canvas

A cheerful poster of children playing in a garden, with blooming flowers in soft pinks and greens.

Play in the Garden or Park

Art print, framed print & canvas

A play-street scene with children and a ball, in muted brick reds and slate blues.

Play in a Play Street

Art print, framed print & canvas

A road-safety poster urging children to stay away from traffic, in warm amber and grey.

Away from Traffic

Art print, framed print & canvas

A dramatic poster warning about turning vehicles, with bold orange and black graphics.

Don't Be Trapped By Turning Traffic

Art print, framed print & canvas

A fireside safety poster with a child and a guarded hearth, in deep crimson and warm gold.

Warm the Child, But Guard the Fire

Art print, framed print & canvas

A poster about guarding and training children near roads, in muted teal and cream.

Guard and Train

Art print, framed print & canvas

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All prints are produced by King & McGaw, the UK's largest online art retailer, and shipped internationally from the UK.

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The child safety collection from the RoSPA archive preserves a fascinating chapter in public information design. These vintage posters were originally displayed in schools, community halls, and along streets to teach young children how to recognise hazards in their everyday environment. The artwork combines bold, simple imagery with clear messaging, making complex safety concepts accessible to early readers. Today, these prints serve a dual purpose: they offer a window into mid-century graphic design while still carrying relevance for modern families. The illustrations of kerb drills, cycling awareness, and fire precautions remain instantly readable, speaking across generations with their direct visual language and memorable character designs.

Among the most recognisable figures in British safety education is Tufty, the little red squirrel who became a friendly guide for millions of children. Created as part of a wider road safety initiative, Tufty appeared on posters, leaflets, and even in animated films, teaching youngsters how to cross roads safely and stay alert near traffic. The original artwork captures a charming, hand-illustrated style that feels both nostalgic and warm. These posters are particularly treasured by collectors of vintage ephemera and those who remember the campaigns from their own childhood. The Tufty imagery remains a gentle yet effective reminder of fundamental safety lessons.

The artistic quality of these child safety posters is remarkable, featuring work by notable illustrators of the period. Artists such as Leonard Cusden, Roland Davies, and Ken Langstaff brought distinctive styles to the RoSPA collection, combining careful draftsmanship with an understanding of how children perceive visual information. Each poster was designed to communicate a single clear message: look both ways before crossing, keep your bicycle in good repair, or stay away from dangerous equipment. The compositions are striking, often using limited colour palettes and strong silhouettes to hold a child's attention. These prints now appeal equally to design enthusiasts and those passionate about preserving social history.

Displaying these vintage prints in a home or classroom creates an opportunity for conversation about safety that feels natural rather than forced. The period charm of the artwork softens the seriousness of the subject matter, making it easier for children to absorb important lessons without fear. Many parents and educators choose to frame these posters and place them at child height, allowing the images to become part of daily life rather than a formal lesson. The enduring appeal of this collection lies in its ability to connect past and present: the dangers children face may have evolved, but the core principles of awareness, caution, and good judgement remain timeless.