Trench Art by bmac62
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Description
Photo taken at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City in June 2009.
Trench art or folk art such as seen here was made by soldiers "killing time" in France during World War I. These are all American US Army mess kits. These and other similar items have been donated to the museum since it was dedicated in 1921.
Please ZOOM for detailed viewing.
Bill:)
Added background:
The First World War, 'The Great War', 'The War to End All Wars' or 'The War for Civilization' as it was variously called, evolved into a stagnant form of 'trench warfare' after the initial German invasion into Belgium in 1914. Prolonged entrenchment of troops and a vast supply of the detritus of war provided an ever-expanding canvas for the talents of soldier-artists. Decorated objects made from 1914 throughout the post-war period are generally referred to as 'trench art'.
Trench art is a highly evocative term conjuring up the image of a mud-spattered soldier in a soggy trench hammering out a souvenir for a loved one at home while dodging bullets and artillery shells. This is an appealing but very false conception of the reality of this art form. A few types of trench art (finger rings made from melted down aluminum are a good example) could be made easily in a trench during lulls in the fighting, but the hammering involved in making many trench art pieces would have been greeted with unwelcome hostile fire from the enemy. Trench art items made during the war were in fact created at a distance from the front line trenches either by soldiers 'at rest' behind the front lines, by skilled artisans among the civilian population, by prisoners of war, or by soldiers convalescing from wounds as handicraft therapy.
Sorce: Jane Kimball's book, Trench Art: An Illustrated History, 1989 and 2005.
Comments (34)
cfulton
There is no limit to man's creativity - no matter what the conditions. Great capture and insight to life in the trenches. Cheers, Clive
durleybeachbum
I love this sort of stuff! there is such a variety made out off shell cases etc as well. I've never seen the mess kits before..magic!
lyron
Cool staff. Great shot!!
auntietk
Full view is a must! Great capture, and the accompanying information is quite helpful. I had been under the impression that these had been created in the trenches, but of couse with three seconds of informed thought, it becomes obvious why they weren't.
drace68
Interesting sidelight. Thanks Bill.
kenmo
Nice photo and historical information Bill... You are a natural and have a gift for this... Please keep it up...
PD154
Very well done bud, like this shot, and the narrative is informative too, good all round stuff mate!
THROBBE
Very cool memorabilia.....
jendellas
There is certainly some history there, fascinating.
tpx1
humans do cruel things to one another but they still feel the need to lighten the mood in war nice capture
kansas
This is really amazing. People will be creative no matter what their circumstances. Thanks for sharing.
Meisiekind
Great narrative and intruiging works of art made by very special folks! Great one Bill!! :)
busi2ness
These few images hold a trench full of stories and experiences. It's part of a universal language spoken by many men today.
Richardphotos
they are very interesting and I can imagine how they felt stuck in a cold wet trench with artillery falling amongst them
MrsLubner
This is a marvelous sight! I love the creativity of soldiers under such difficult conditions. They always seemed to find a way to bring a part of their personality to light. Wonderful find and great capture.
dbrv6
Cool capture and history - the explanation makes a great deal of sense after consideration.
goodoleboy
World War I, where France lost the flower of its manhood. Good capture of the Trench Art from 'The War to End All Wars', Bill. These are certainly different than the mess kits we had. I remember reading that trenches were never dug in straight lines for any distance so as to prevent any enemy soldiers who breached the lines and jumped in from firing down the full length of the trench, therefore keeping casualties to a minimum.
frankie96
My grandfather was in those trenches...but he would never speak about his experiences....
CavalierLady
Fascinating, and something I was not aware of before! Kind of like scrimshaw carving, I suppose. Very interesting capture, Bill!
MagikUnicorn
Excellent thanks for share
moonrancher
Conjures memories of my grandfather, too. Very nice capture and info!
flavia49
fantastic capture! In Italy on the Alps in the high mountains still there are trenches with human remains (skulls, fingers, etc..), helmets, clothes, shoes and ammos. Some people still die trying to get the black powder from them.
Buffalo1
Wonderful shot of history as recorded by the soldiers. Well done, Bill.
LovelyPoetess
This is something I've never seen nor heard about before, thanks for yet another history lesson! Well taken shot too, I might add. : )
sandra46
I know that trench art! it's very interesting. As Flavia said, there are many trenches and fortified positions in the mountains of our area. My father used to explore them when he was a boy and went home with an assortment of souvenirs, from granates to musket balls and cartridges.
beachzz
Something brand new; I had no idea of trench art--an amazing form of artwork. Your info is also wonderful; I always learn something from you!!
Fred255
Fasinating stuff here! Good photo!
debbielove
Came out well! Not easy at all.... Very 'dull' room. So, it must be said, Bill, excellent job. Well done my friend. Rob.
junge1
Interesting and very nicely done Bill!
orig_buggy
this is great ...amazing that was so many years ago