CND: Against The Bomb badges

Against The Bomb badges

Campaigning against nuclear weapons has long been a defining element of the UK peace movement. From the 1950s onwards, badges became one of the most visible ways for activists to declare their opposition. They offered a simple, wearable statement: a badge could signal moral conviction, align wearers with international movements, and act as a conversation starter on the dangers of nuclear arms.

Introduction ☮️💣

Badges against the bomb have been central to activism by groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth (FoE), and faith-based peace organisations. Worn at marches, rallies, and encampments, these badges made the anti-nuclear cause visible and personal. They complemented posters, leaflets, and other campaign material, forming a visual culture of dissent that resonated across generations. For more on environmental and wildlife-focused activism, see our Extinction Forever badges page.

Design evolution and symbolism 🎨🛑

Early CND badges popularised the now-iconic peace symbol, often paired with slogans such as “Ban the Bomb” or “No to Nuclear Weapons.” Designs ranged from simple enamel pins to larger, more illustrative badges showing mushroom clouds, doves, or symbolic imagery of hope and protection. Subsequent groups drew inspiration from this visual language: Greenpeace adopted bold imagery for nuclear campaigns, FoE incorporated environmental concerns, and faith groups used symbols like doves and crosses to reflect moral imperatives.

Campaigns through the decades ⏳💥

1950s–1960s – CND formation and early protests

CND led the way in creating badges emblazoned with the peace symbol. These items were worn at marches, especially during campaigns against nuclear testing in the UK and abroad.

1980s – Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp

Badges featuring the iconic “Women for Life, Not War” slogan became central. Feminist-led groups combined protest art with direct action, distributing badges to supporters and visitors at the camp.

1980s – Molesworth and wider military bases

Anti-nuclear groups extended their badge campaigns to RAF Molesworth and other US air bases in the UK, emphasising the link between local communities and global nuclear strategy.

1990s–2000s – Sustained activism

Though the Cold War ended, groups continued issuing badges as reminders of the ongoing need for disarmament, using designs to commemorate past victories and mobilise continued engagement.

Badges as tools of protest 🌐✊

These items were never just decorative. A badge pinned to a coat, bag, or hat signalled solidarity, spread awareness, and created a sense of community among activists. Some designs were humorous or ironic, others poignant and striking — all aimed at making nuclear disarmament visible and emotionally resonant.

Collectors' guide 🔍

For the orginal black & white 1980s the b4p collector's guide is as follows:

☮️ Organisation: CND

🕰️ Age: 1980s original

💎 Rarity: [4-10/10]

⚙️ Material: Tin

📏 Size: 3.7 cm

🎨 Variations: Various

💰 Price Guide: £10 - £20

📌 Top Tip: The orginal black & white CND badges are larger than later re-isssues / reproductions, which are usually smaller at 3cm approx. Akso the orginal badges are often printed slightly off-centre whereas the later badges are well-centred.