It’s been a huge honour that these last couple of years I have been asked to research, write and discuss themes related to art and war on behalf of the Mayor’s Charity here in Southend.

However, with our communal life made impossible by the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to keep everyone safe, the Charity itself has been suspended for 2020. Furthermore, public Remembrance Day and Armistice Day ceremonies have been severely restricted if not curtailed.

Yet, remember we must, one way or another.

Here I have posted some of the slides from our 2019 Mayor’s Charity Memorial Talk showing a range of paintings and drawing made by women artists working on the Home Front. Some of the artists you might find familiar, others not; certainly their art is an extraordinary insight into a time and place we, for the most part now, can only imagine.

This is only a small selection, but I hope they might inspire you to research these artists further. The best place to start is the Imperial War Museum website or via artuk.org

In the meantime, stay safe and take care. I believe there’s to be a two-minute silence ‘on the doorsteps’ of the nation.

And remember: “we’ll meet again… some sunny day!”

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In memory of our dear friend Norma.

An inspiration to many for her dedication to the local community, lifelong education and her love of art.

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