THE Victoria Art Gallery in Bath is appealing for local people
to contact them with memories and objects relating to everyday life
in Bath during the Second World War.
The appeal has been launched by the Bath & North East
Somerset Council-run art gallery ahead of a major exhibition
featuring works of art depicting Bath throughout the war years.
‘Blitzed! War Artists in Bath’ will be on show at the Victoria
Art Gallery from Saturday, April 30 to Wednesday, July 13 and is
being held to mark the 60th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days.
Jon Benington, Curator of the Victoria Art Gallery, said: “This
exhibition really is about telling the story of the people of Bath
who lived throughout the war and especially those that experienced
the terrors of the Bath Blitz in April 1942.
“As a result we would like to include everyday items from that
time into the exhibition such as photographs, utility clothing and
furniture, gas masks, diaries, letters and domestic air raid
shelters.
“We would also like to hear people’s memories from that time and
incorporate first hand accounts into the displays. If you have
anything you would like to contribute to the exhibition please get
in touch – we are looking forward to hearing from you.”
If you have any objects or memories that you would like to share
with Gallery staff for the exhibition please contact Ruth Moppett,
Museum Assistant at the Victoria Art Gallery, on Tel: 01225 477232
or e-mail ruth_moppett@bathnes.gov.uk
– alternatively please write to her at the Victoria Art Gallery,
Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT.
‘Blitzed! War Artists in Bath’ will feature works of art by 23
artists including well known names such as John Piper alongside
local artists, such as Clifford Ellis, Lord Paul Methuen and Leslie
Atkinson.
The paintings and drawings record a wide range of aspects of
Bath during the Second World War and include the aftermath of the
Bath Blitz, clearing bomb sites, rescuing the injured and repairing
homes.
The people of Bath are also represented with depictions of how
life carried on in the city during the bleakest of times.
The exhibition is being staged thanks to a generous grant from
Home Recall – a joint Lottery grants programme supported by the Big
Lottery Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition, Bath Stone
Group is sponsoring the exhibition catalogue.
For more information about the Victoria Art Gallery call 01225
477233 or log on to www.victoriagal.org.uk
The Victoria Art Gallery, near Pulteney Bridge in Bath, is open
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm
to 5pm. The Gallery is closed on Monday. Admission is free.
