This book is published on the eve of the seventy-fifth anniversary of
the launch of the War Artists' Advisory Committee and the iconic War
Pictures by British Artists series.
The scheme, devised by Kenneth Clark, played a vital role in both how
the war was perceived at the time and how it has been perceived by
future generations.
The WAAC initiative also changed the course of the careers of the 400
artists whom became involved, 37 of whom were salaried.
Brian Foss's introductory essay gives a fascinating account of the
origins of the scheme and its aims and evolution.
Using the format established in the War Pictures by British Artists'
publications the chapters are organized into 8 sections, (as per the
eight books in the original series).
Alongside the work of the better known Official War Artists this
publication will also include examples of work by less well-known
(unofficial) war artists adding resonance to the remarkable story of War
Pictures by British Artists.
The book is completed by an appendix providing a statistical analysis of
how many artists were involved, who they were and what they produced, an
account of Morley College London during the war and a description of the
ICI's commissioning of portraits of its employees for a prestigious
advertising project.
