Members of Medway-based art group Explore & Draw came together at the Royal Engineers Museum with the purpose of creating this exhibition inspired by what they discovered. Each artist has each responded in their own unique way, some drawing directly from personal connection to the Royal Engineers, or the inspiring stories of others contained within these walls.
Man of Industry
Angela Yates
NFS
Tim Brown. Royal Engineers 1987-2010
Northern Ireland, Gulf War, Iraq and Bosnia. Diver, Harley rider, dog rescuer and Job Coach for Royal British Legion Industries.
Ready For Anything
Cerys Ford
NFS
The inspiration for this piece is taken from the experiences of my Grandad, Harry Ford. He was a Pathfinder in the 21st Independent Airborne Company, a part of the Parachute Regiment. The core theme is the bridge at Arnhem, the objective of the British Parachute Regiment during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The famous “bridge too far”.
As I created this image the symbolism grew into to piece you see here. The monochromatic rendition echoes the newsreels of the time. The growing storm clouds surrounding the regimental emblem of Pegasus’ speaking of the storm to come. All shown above the central, distant, visible yet ultimately unobtainable bridge itself.
In the foreground counterpoints to the monochromatic nature of the battle, the red and maroon of the poppies and the beret, reminding us of the regiment and sacrifice of all such battles.
The title “Ready for Anything” is the translation of the Regimental motto “utrinque paratus”. I feel it embodies the sense of unknown outcomes symbolised in the piece.
Still Life!!
Angela Turner
NFS
The WW1 pilot’s helmet had lain undisturbed for many years. Half buried amongst curled, brittle, dead leaves and rotting branches. A sad place with sad memories. Something has changed, for, pushing and fighting their way up through the decaying brown carpet are young nettles, violets, daffodils. The helmet has a new green blanket of ivy protecting it, and a solitary bumble bee has found a new home. The is STILL LIFE here!
Explore & Draw at the Royal Engineers Museum runs from 4th April to 25th June
4 April 2023