Call out for Second World War stories

Did you or a member of your family serve in the military during the Second World War?

We’re working with the Imperial War Museum,  supported by funding from Art Fund, to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Second World War paintings from the Harris’ collection will go on display with a painting from the IWM from the 5 December 2020.

The paintings tell us about many aspects of life during the Second World War, from the roles of women to aerial warfare. We want to explore Preston stories too. Did you or a member of your family serve in the military? Perhaps your Dad was in the Royal Air Force, or your grandma joined the Women’s Land Army? Or maybe you have family memories of what it was like living in Preston during the Second World War?

We welcome Second World War stories from all walks of life and we’d love to hear from as many of you as possible.

Artist Anthony Padgett is working with us to explore your stories and include them in the display. This will include taking a photograph of you at the Harris with a family treasure, such as a photo, medal or something else that helps to tell your story. This will be done safely in line with all government advice on social distancing requirements.

How to take part

Email us at

theharris@preston.gov.uk

Use Second World War display in your subject heading.

Please include

• Your name and preferred contact details
• Your story, including the names of the people in your story and if possible dates and locations
• A description or photo of your family’s object

If you prefer, you can call us Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm on 01772 258248

We particularly encourage stories from:

• People of African or Caribbean heritage
• People of South Asian heritage
• People who identify as LGBTQ+
• People who have lived experience of Disability
• People who identify as D/deaf

Please send us your stories by 4pm on Monday 2nd November

The exhibition opens at the Harris on Saturday 5th December 2020.

Image An Aerial Battle, 1940, by Francis Dodd.
© IWM Art.IWM ART LD 485

Photo © Anthony Padgett