The British State–Private Network and Way of Life Propaganda at the Anglo-Soviet Trade Fairs of 1961

Barnett, Nicholas

Abstract

This article explores Britain and the Soviet Union’s reciprocal exhibitions in 1961. Using methods from diplomatic and cultural history the article finds that, while typical of the cultural encounters that punctuated moments of Cold War crisis, these exhibitions formed part of a broader British policy of cultural diplomacy. The British state worked closely with the exhibition companies to present subtle propaganda about the British way of life at both displays. Britain’s key propaganda message was that a system of free enterprise was vital to a good political system and economy. However, while the fairs were nominally organised by an independent company many of the company’s directors were part of a network that existed between government, the civil service and business. The government was involved at all stages. A warm attitude was displayed towards the Soviets by many British people when the reciprocal fair opened in London, despite the less positive reception of Soviet consumer goods in the press. The British state sought to limit the Soviets’ propaganda gain. It therefore ensured that it was the trade fair’s organisers rather than communist supporting organisations who received the visit of the world’s first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 14, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Publication Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 23, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Journal: Transactions of the Royal Historical Society
• Print ISSN: 0080-4401
• Electronic ISSN: 1474-0648
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-24
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0080440125100182
• Keywords: Harold Macmillan, cultural exchange, state–private network, propaganda, Cold War