High Jinks at the Bardia Casino Cairo
Datec.1943
MediumWatercolour on paper
DimensionsObject/Work: 482.6 x 584.2 mm
ClassificationsArtworks/Commemorations/Photographs
Terms
Object numberGA0362
DescriptionEdward Ardizzone (1900 - 1979) is one of the most enduringly popular of the artists commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) in the Second World War, as well as being one of the longest serving. Born in 1900, at Haiphong, Tonking, Indo-China, to Italian and Scottish parents, Ardizzone came to England when he was five. During the 1930s he was best known for his illustrations in the Radio Times and in children’s books, so was perhaps a surprising choice as official war artist. However, during the Second World War he travelled more widely in Britain and Europe than any other war artist, documenting his experiences in both drawings and diaries which today are kept by the Imperial War Museum.This piece is typical of the artist, looking at ordinary interactions even in extraordinary times and circumstances. He brought humanity and humour to his work which people could relate to. His work was comforting and gently reflective of human nature. For this reason it made his work key to raising morale and in turn this meant he successfully accomplished the aims of the War Artist's Advisory Committee.
On View
Not on viewCollections
1917 - 1919
