The Sketchbook War: Saving the Nation's Artists in World War II

by Richard Knott

The Sketchbook War is not a book about art but the story of war artists, the story of how men who had previously made a comfortable living painting in studios were transformed by military uniforms and experiences that were to shape the rest of their lives and the way in which we view war today. Following eight artists who formed a close bond on the frontline, we explore the experiences of: Edward Ardizzone, Edward Bawden, Anthony Gross, Thomas Hennell, Eric Ravilious, Albert Richards, Richard Seddon, and John Worsley. They all went abroad; many of them approached the front line; they heard guns firing in earnest; two were torpedoed; two were taken prisoner; and three died, two of them in 1945 when the war was nearly over. This book is about how war and art came together in a moving and dramatic way.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Richard Knott is a writer and poet. Most of his prose work is about aspects of modern history. For example, 'Black Night for Bomber Command', 'The Sketchbook War' and 'The Secret War Against the Arts' (about MI5's surveillance of artists and writers). Most recently he has written 'All-India and Down Under' (Pitch Publishing) and two collections of poetry: 'Perfect Day' and 'The Texan's House'. He lives in North Somerset.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned on page 22 of 210. I wanted a decent history book. Phrases like, “that’s probably enough to be going on*” don’t suggest that’s what this is. Disliked the style.

[Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good summary

Some sad parts of course but a good summary of some little known aspects of the Second World War. Try it

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here, we follow a number of British artists as they explore what it means to be a war artist in WW2. I read this book with the Churchill quote in mind; when asked if tBritain should continue to do creative things like plays and music and art, Churchill responded, "what are we fighting for, then?"

It was refreshing to read of non-American perspective and a different culture that, quite frankly, appreciated the arts more than the American government did or does. While these artists were getting shipped from Iceland to North Africa, they experienced a ton of thought regarding their position and duty in wartime. When bombs are falling, how can you draw? How much care do soldiers take with ferrying them around the front?

This is a pretty decent record of the actions and lives (and deaths) of some of these personalities, as well as the circumstances under which they did their work.

[John Kruse]

An excellent survey of a little known area- the artists employed to record the British war effort 1939-45. It was informative, entertaining and introduced me to many artists I had not previously known well or at all. Recommended.