World War One Trench Art: Creativity Can’t be Stopped
Creativity can’t be stopped, even in the worst of conditions. Such was the case during World War I when soldiers and sailors used materials they had on hand to create art.
Available materials included shell casings, melted shrapnel, fabric, wood and bone.
Despite the name, trench art wasn’t just produced in the trenches. It also was produced on ships, in the air force, in prisoner of war camps and in hospitals. Civilians living near war zones also produced artwork while some trench art was mass produced using war materials.
These works of art are valuable finds today. Many didn’t survive the metal drives of World War II.
Why Art?
The reasons men created art varied. Sometimes it was to alleviate boredom, but often there was a larger reason. Men made gifts for loved ones back home, commemorated important battles or used art as therapy while in convalescent hospitals.
Civilians produced art to sell to tourists as souvenirs or as thank-you gifts.
Trench Art Examples?
The artists crafted a variety of things including models of weapons, jewelry, cups, tapestries, crucifixes, and containers.
Where to Purchase the WWI Trilogy
This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s WWI Trilogy: Angel of Mercy, Those Left Behind and Adjustment Year. The trilogy focuses on Hettie and her family as they navigate the challenges and heartbreak World War I brings.
Angel of Mercy: A nurse reluctantly sacrifices her career for marriage. An impending war will change her, and her husband’s, life forever. Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover. Click here for a full list of retailers.
Those Left Behind: The brewing winds of war will soon rip the family apart. Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover. Click here for a full list of retailers.
Adjustment Year: A war nurse returns home. Society expects her to carry on as if the Great War never happened. But how can she? Available in eBook, paperback and hardcover. Click here for a full list of retailers.