National Army Museum awards veterans for outstanding artwork
National Army Museum awards veterans for outstanding artwork
An art exhibition by Combat Stress at the National Army Museum (NAM) in London has seen four veterans awarded prizes for their outstanding artwork.
Titled Outlook, the exhibition featured 17 pieces of artwork created by veterans as part of their recovery from trauma. The images represented the psychological impact of war but also demonstrated that trauma can be overcome.
On Armed Forces Day (29 June), NAM Development Trust trustee Michael Watson and Director General of NAM Justin Macjejewski awarded cash prizes to the winners of the Templar Art Awards, ranging from £250 to £50. They commented on the difficulty choosing because of the high quality of the entries. In the end, they chose:
1st Peaceful Sunset by Rob Weatheritt (£250 prize)
2nd Highland Poppy by James Martin (£150)
3rd Aberdyfi by an anonymous veteran (£50)
Director’s Choice Award To the Sea by Ron McGrath (£50)
The exhibition was coordinated by Combat Stress’ Senior Art Psychotherapist Jan Lobban and proved popular with museum visitors, including many school groups.
Combat Stress will hold its next art exhibition at the National Army Museum in May 2020 during Mental Health Awareness Week. We’ll be calling for submissions later this year, with entries open to all veterans who have received treatment or support from Combat Stress.