Young artists retell war tales in images

HISTORY: Display explores everyday stories of men and women on front line

Scotland’s role in the First World War is being explored through the work of 100 young artists in a new exhibition in Perth.

The installation, titled What Do We Learn From All Th1s? is being showcased at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in the city.

The work is inspired by 100 stories gathered from all over Scotland, and marks the culmination of Scotland’s World War One Centenary programme.

Students as young as 14 have contributed to the touring exhibition, which combines traditional printmaking with digital technology.

The artist’s prints have been mounted on wooden plinths and arranged into a map of Scotland.

The display was put together by the Glasgow-based design agency Lateral North.

Its director, Tom Smith, said: “From individual acts of valour on the battlefield to naval tragedies off Scotland’s coast, from the thousands of workers filling factories at home to the brave members of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals at the Western Front, the project takes in a wide range of stories and subjects that will resonate throughout Scotland.”

Anne Kinnes, chief executive of The Black Watch Museum, said the attraction was privileged to have been selected to host the installation as it tours Scotland.

“It is important that we continue to remember the stories of bravery and sacrifice, and to ensure they are passed on to future generations,” she said.

“Many of the Scots who lost their lives a century ago were the same age as the artists contributing to this unique installation, which explores and retells their stories.”

Visitors to the exhibition can explore each story in detail using an ipad through augmented reality technology.

This project has been made possible by the Scottish Print Network, and was created in partnership with the Scottish Parliament.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “The What Do We Learn From All Th1s? project aims to provide a perspective on the broad impact of the war on individuals and communities, as seen through the eyes of the next generation.”

The exhibition opened on September 27 and is on display until October 23.

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Communications officer Leanor Blackhall shows examples of the work, above and below, from the exhibition.