Imperial War Museums

First World War Art

The Navy in Baghdad, 1918, by Donald Maxwell
The Navy in Baghdad, 1918, by Donald Maxwell

Maxwell was commissioned in 1918 to document the activities of British naval forces in the Middle East. This journey resulted in over 100 drawings, which were used to illustrate lively accounts of his travels.
Women’s Canteen at Phoenix Works, Bradford, 1918, by Flora Lion
Women’s Canteen at Phoenix Works, Bradford, 1918, by Flora Lion

Lion was a portrait painter who was given access to paint factory scenes in Leeds and Bradford during the First World War. The couple in the centre, arms entwined, dominate the scene and embody the confidence of women newly liberated by employment.
Dockyard, Portsmouth, 1918, by J D Fergusson
Dockyard, Portsmouth, 1918, by J D Fergusson

Dazzle marine camouflage transformed the look of First World War dockyards. Fergusson’s painting is a celebration of this aspect of the docks, and his work is much more involved with the formal concerns of shape and colour than with the wartime setting.
The Balloon Apron, 1918, by Frank Dobson
The Balloon Apron, 1918, by Frank Dobson

Barrage balloon apron screens were intended to force German Gotha bombers to higher altitude, reducing their effectiveness as bombers. Dobson was suggested to paint this specific scene, of the Kynoch ammunition plant.
Victoria Station, District Railway, 1918, by Bernard Meninsky
Victoria Station, District Railway, 1918, by Bernard Meninsky

Meninsky had previously served as a private in the Royal Fusiliers before being commissioned by the Ministry of Information in May 1918. The concept of the series Victoria Station, District Railway came directly from the Ministry.
Flying Over the Desert at Sunset, Mesopotamia, 1919, by Sydney Carline
Flying Over the Desert at Sunset, Mesopotamia, 1919, by Sydney Carline

Carline piloted a Sopwith Camel over the Italian front in late 1917 and was later employed as a war artist to paint aerial battles. He and his brother Richard were sent to work in Palestine and Mesopotamia in 1919.

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London
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IWM Duxford
Cambridgeshire
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Winter 10am - 4pm
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HMS Belfast
London
HMS Belfast is currently closed.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. For further information see Visiting Information
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Churchill War Rooms
London
Open daily 9.30am - 6pm
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Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
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IWM North
Manchester
Open daily 10am - 5pm
Last admission 4.30pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

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War Art Schemes of the First World War

The war art schemes developed by the British government during the First World War were an unprecedented act of government sponsorship of the arts...

Read more about war art schemes of the First World War
Once Upon a Wartime

Discover the stories of War Horse, Carrie's War, The Machine Gunners, The Silver Sword and Little Soldier. Thrilling tales of loyalty, separation, excitement, survival and identity are brought to life in this major exhibition for all ages.
At IWM North.

Find out more about Once Upon a Wartime
Air Show Tickets Now on Sale

Don’t miss our 15% early bird discount available for IWM Duxford air shows. Hurry as this offer is only available until 29 February.

Tickets for Flying Legends are available with 10% discount.

Buy air show tickets
Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

This major exhibition examines the life and work of one of Britain's most critically acclaimed photographers. At IWM London.

Find out more about Shaped by War and book tickets
IWM Film Festival

The 11th annual IWM Film Festival showcases some of the most imaginative and thought-provoking short films being made by young and aspiring filmmakers, inspired by our Collections.

Find out more about the Film Festival
Buy Prints

Choose from a wide range of art, posters and photos available as prints, canvas or framed prints. From £7.50.
Each purchase supports the IWM.

Visit the IWM Prints website

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Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

IWM London
In Focus: Young Photographers' Week Competition

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The Jubilee Air Show

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Churchill the Artist

Lectures & Conferences, Churchill War Rooms
Tyneside Shipyards, 1943: Photographs by Cecil Beaton

IWM North
War Story: Serving in Afghanistan

IWM London
Churchill and Photo Intelligence

Lectures & Conferences, Churchill War Rooms

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I_W_M: One more sleep till Once Upon a Wartime opens at #IWMNorth. Entrance is free. See you there! t.co/ds5bhOe9 #warlit

From our Collections

Soldier and Girl Sleeping
British Railways in Wartime - Everyday Life at Euston Station, London 1944
Sweetheart heart pin cushion
Private Papers of Mrs M J Simpson
The Trek to the Shelters, Silvertown, September 1940
American Boy Meets British Girl: Love and Romance on the Home Front, Bournemouth, 1941
The Refugee (B)
Leisure and Entertainment during the Second World War

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Sheepskin Flying Helmet

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Real Forget-me-not earrings

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Tommy Gun ginger biscuit drum 200g

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Zedal craft kit

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First World War Art

The Navy in Baghdad, 1918, by Donald Maxwell

Women’s Canteen at Phoenix Works, Bradford, 1918, by Flora Lion

Dockyard, Portsmouth, 1918, by J D Fergusson

The Balloon Apron, 1918, by Frank Dobson

Victoria Station, District Railway, 1918, by Bernard Meninsky

Flying Over the Desert at Sunset, Mesopotamia, 1919, by Sydney Carline

Main menu

Secondary menu

War Art Schemes of the First World War

Once Upon a Wartime

Air Show Tickets Now on Sale

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

IWM Film Festival

Buy Prints

What's On

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin

In Focus: Young Photographers' Week Competition

The Jubilee Air Show

Churchill the Artist

Tyneside Shipyards, 1943: Photographs by Cecil Beaton

War Story: Serving in Afghanistan

Churchill and Photo Intelligence

Connect

From our Collections

Soldier and Girl Sleeping

British Railways in Wartime - Everyday Life at Euston Station, London 1944

Sweetheart heart pin cushion

Private Papers of Mrs M J Simpson

The Trek to the Shelters, Silvertown, September 1940

American Boy Meets British Girl: Love and Romance on the Home Front, Bournemouth, 1941

The Refugee (B)

Leisure and Entertainment during the Second World War

Shop Online

Sheepskin Flying Helmet

Real Forget-me-not earrings

Tommy Gun ginger biscuit drum 200g

Zedal craft kit

Branches

About Us

Other IWM Websites

Business and Hire