The Women's Land Army

Using both words and images author, Gill Clarke tracks the genesis of the Women's Land Army in the First World War through to its re-formation in the Second World War and final disbandment in 1950. This is the first study to make extensive use of paintings by distinguished and lesser-known artists, [...]
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Using both words and images author, Gill Clarke tracks the genesis of the Women's Land Army in the First World War through to its re-formation in the Second World War and final disbandment in 1950. This is the first study to make extensive use of paintings by distinguished and lesser-known artists, together with recruitment posters, cartoons and photographs from both World Wars to portray the life and work of the Women's Land Army. Theirs is something of a forgotten history. Yet, the work these women did on the land often in terrible conditions was vital to the success of the war effort. They played a crucial part in increasing levels of productivity from the land in both World Wars. Drawing on published autobiographies and recent interviews by the author with Land Girls in the Second World War, this book tells their story and those of the artists and illustrators who recorded their heroic work. The book is divided into three illustrated sections - Holding the Home Front: The Women's Land Army in the First World War; Back to the Land: The Women's Land Army in the Second World War; and, Recording Life on the Land: Portraits of the Artists and Illustrators.This book is profusely illustrated, with many iconic images being published here for the first time. It is published to coincide with a unique exhibition devoted to the Women's Land Army at St Barbe Gallery, Lymington in October 2008. The publication follows renewed interest in twentieth-century British art. It is published in the year that the Women's Land Army veterans are officially honoured by the Government and awarded a badge to recognise their efforts. This book will appeal not only to former Land Army Girls and their families, but to a varied audience including students, researchers and scholars of art, social and cultural history and biographical studies. In addition it will appeal to those with an interest in the connections between biography and art.