Fields of Battle: Lands of Peace

Really good outdoor exhibition in St James Park of photographs by Michael St Maur Sheil of what First World War battle fields look like now.

Michael is a photo journalist and a battle field guide. The photographs were really beautiful and it was fascinating to see the scars which can still be seen in the landscape. My favourite was one of Tyne Cot cemetery in the snow and there was a fabulous one of trees reflected in water in the base of a German artillery turntable.

However the exhibition was much more than this. Each picture had not only a commentary on the scene but also succinct pieces which built up to a really good history of the war. As a First World War geek  it had something about everything! You think of a subject within a couple of stands you’d find something! It also showed aspects of the war which I had not known about such as the fact there was fighting in Kenya.

There were also nice piece on yellow background telling the stories of local people. The most moving story was of Florence Brill who carried a photo of her husband and the parcel string from his last effects in the purse for the rest of her life!

I have seen a lot of First War One things recently but this was one of the best and a real surprise.

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