Wartime London in Paintings

During World War II, London was in danger, and the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) was established by the Ministry of Information to document the artistic history of Britain. Seventy oil paintings from the Imperial War Museums collection are featured in the book Wartime London in Paintings, providing a unique view of the city during the war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2020
Publisher: Imperial War Museums

London experienced its most perilous moment since the Great Fire of 1666 during World War II. The city was transformed by falling bombs, fires, and searchlights, creating a nightmarish atmosphere. The day brought the stark reality of the destruction, as ordinary people faced the aftermath of the bombing. In response, the Ministry of Information established the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) in 1939 to document the artistic record of Britain during the war.

After the war, over half of the paintings commissioned, totaling around three thousand works, were acquired by the Imperial War Museums (IWM). Wartime London in Paintings, an exquisite illustrated volume, showcases seventy oil paintings from the IWM's unparalleled collection. These paintings capture the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of London during the war, providing a unique insight into how the city weathered one of its most significant periods.

The book features the works of renowned war artists such as Graham Sutherland, Henry Moore, Edward Ardizzone, and many others. Their paintings offer a firsthand account of the challenges and hardships faced by Londoners during the conflict. From the devastation of bombings to the resilience of the people, these artworks provide a visual narrative that is both powerful and poignant.

Wartime London in Paintings is a testament to the artistic talent and dedication of the war artists who captured the essence of a wartime city. It is a valuable resource for historians, students, and anyone interested in understanding the history of London during World War II. Through these stunning paintings, readers are transported back to a time of immense uncertainty and adversity, witnessing the resilience and spirit of a city that overcame great tragedy.

Weight: 1090g
Dimension: 241 x 243 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912423118