Gerald Holtom

Why this artist matters now

Gerald Holtom was a British graphic designer and peace activist who created the nuclear disarmament symbol in 1958, a circle bisected by a cross that became the defining emblem of the postwar peace movement. Originally trained as a draughtsman and designer, Holtom conceived the mark for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, combining semaphore letters for N and D within a circle. The symbol's formal simplicity and ethical clarity made it one of the most widely recognized graphic designs of the twentieth century. Holtom remained committed to pacifist causes throughout his career, viewing design as a tool for social change rather than commercial gain.

Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 1mo ago