150 Voices

MEHZEBIN ADAM, CURATOR OF THE BRITISH RED CROSS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES, SHARES HOW THE CHARITY IS MARKING ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A POIGNANT ONLINE EXHIBITION

The Red Cross movement began when Swiss humanitarian Henry Dunant called for a kinder world. Shocked by the suffering of wounded soldiers in the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, he urged all nations to create volunteer groups to provide impartial relief to the sick and wounded.

Following the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the British Red Cross was formed on 4 August to provide relief to the sick and wounded soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The society was established based upon the rules of the Geneva Convention and joined the global Red Cross movement to work towards the shared goal of helping people in need, no matter who or where they are.

Now, to mark its 150-year legacy, the British Red Cross has launched 150 Voices – a moving online exhibition that celebrates the charity’s history of connecting human kindness with human crisis. As part of the project, volunteers from around the UK helped to select 150 items from the British Red Cross Museum and Archives. Prince Charles gives a video introduction to the exhibition.

At a time when many museums are inaccessible due to the pandemic, this new online exhibition allows people to explore the British Red Cross Museum and Archives virtually and learn about the charity’s 150 years of history. Visit the 150 Voices online exhibition at redcross.org.uk/150voices. Exhibition supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

THE FREE WILL SCHEME

The work carried out by the British Red Cross is as essential today as it was at the time of the 1918 influenza. Thanks to the support of people like you, the Red Cross is always ready to help those in crisis, whether they’re on the other side of the world or on your own street. By leaving a gift in your will, you can leave your own legacy to ensure the British Red Cross can continue to support vulnerable people – for the next 150 years and beyond.

Red Cross ambulance drivers in France, WWI

^ Volunteer Mahdi Ali chose a contemporary artwork by a young refugee in the UK. “I was blown away by the colourful imagery used within an otherwise sombre drawing of an unforgettable day in this refugee’s life,” he said. “The artist has clearly illustrated her terrifying experience of fleeing a place she once called ‘home’.”

^ Daniella Dray, another volunteer, chose the illustrated triangular bandage from the 1940s. “I think it was a very good idea to print the instructions on the bandage itself! I was astounded that such a simple bandage could be used in so many different ways.”