A MAJOR photographic exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the First World War launches in Worcester’s Cathedral Square next month.
Fields of Battle – Lands of Peace 14/18 displays the work of international award-winning photojournalist Michael St Maur Sheil. More than 10 million people worldwide have now viewed the exhibition, which is open-air and free.
The exhibition will be in Cathedral Square from this Saturday, August 25 to September 30 as part of the city’s History Month.
Worcester is the only location north of London to host the exhibition in 2018, after closing it will go directly to St. James’s Park in the capital for the final part of the centenary period.
Captured over a period of eight years, Michael St Maur Sheil’s photography depicts First World War battlefields around the world as they are today.
One hundred years on, time and nature have helped to heal the scars on the landscapes, turning places of horror and devastation to lands of peace and tranquillity.
“This collection represents a legacy which I hope will create a gateway to the battlefields themselves, thus encouraging people to visit these historic landscapes and to create awareness and understanding of the events and historical implications of the First World War,” he said.
More than 50 images and 22,000 words of text and fascinating facts engage the viewer in this powerful and poignant exhibition, presented in large format on an impressive scale.
Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, will officially open the exhibition on Saturday, September 1 at 10.55am.
Michael St Maur Sheil will also be present at the launch and will give a brief introduction to the exhibition.
Adrian Gregson, manager for the Worcestershire World War One Hundred programme said: “I am thrilled working with our partners, we can showcase the full Fields of Battle – Lands of Peace exhibition for the people of Worcester.
“This outdoor display will enable people to see for themselves how time and nature have changed the landscapes which were the battlegrounds of the First World War. We hope as many people as possible come out to see these incredibly stunning and deeply poignant images.”
