Untitled [William Gemmell and nineteen other WWI soldiers posed around a display of graded wool samples at Oatlands Park, Surrey, England], 1918, England. Maker unknown. Te Papa
In this talk Kirstie Ross, Curator History will draw on the extensive research undertaken for her recent publication
Holding on to Home: New Zealand Stories and Objects of the First World War and the current exhibition
Road to Recovery: Disabled soldiers of World War I.
Statistically, the physical destruction wrought by the First World War is almost too huge to comprehend. While the casualty numbers amount to millions globally, personal objects and artefacts help to humanise the stark statistics. In fact, in the wake of the destructive machinery of an industrialised war came stories of resilience, hope and creative activity.
Kirstie’s talk will highlight moving personal accounts and associated collection items. A guided tour of the exhibition Road to Recovery, currently on display in the Ilott Gallery, will follow the talk.
Registration required. To register, use the ‘Book now’ button or phone the office on (04) 381 7051.