What can artworks and objects made in times of war reveal about the pain, peril and lifechanging experiences of conflict, as well as our instincts to seek out hope and humanity through creativity and making, even in our darkest moments? 

Bringing together objects crafted in the moment and aftermath of historic battles, modern warfare and contemporary conflict, War Craft considers how and why they were created and shares the stories of the soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war who made them. Discover the ingenuity, artistry and self-expression that transformed shell-cases and ammunition tins from objects of killing into mementoes, souvenirs and decorative domestic objects. 

Prints, commemorative materials and personal items, such as messages home, tributes to fallen comrades and engraved coins, make up a diverse and poignant display of the unique, individual experiences of war across centuries and continents, as well as an enduring, collective desire to humanise the inherent inhumanity of conflict. 

Supported by The Marlay Group