AS part of Harlow Art Trust’s programme ‘Drawing On Memories’ Longwood Primary teacher Georgia Say, organised a project with residents from Ashlyn, Abbots, and Tye Green Care Homes. The residents shared personal stories about World War II, which the pupils from Year 6 beautifully reimagined as illustrated postcards, using fine pens and water colours. 

The postcards are on display in the Gibberd Gallery until Saturday 6 September. 

Miss Shave, teacher at Longwood Primary, said, 

“I had the privilege of working with the Year 6 children on their WWII postcards. A few things that stood out during the art sessions were how enthusiastic all the children were to participate—even those who are not particularly artistic relished taking part. They handled the postcards with a kind of gentle reverence and thoroughly enjoyed reading all the memories written on the back of each one.

Some of the children expressed a wish to meet the authors, as they were genuinely intrigued by what life was like during WWII. It was incredibly heartwarming to witness such an outpouring of sweetness and empathy as the children interpreted the reminiscences.”

In July Georgia Say and Harlow Art Trust Director, Catherine Mummery took the children’s illustrated postcards to Tye Green Care Home so that residents could see how their memories had been illustrated.

Tye Green Lodge Manager Sherrie Wilkinson said “This project has been a truly heartwarming experience for our residents. Sharing their wartime memories brought back so many emotions and stories that are so important to keep alive. To then see those memories brought to life through the children’s artwork was incredibly special. The residents were absolutely delighted – they thought the drawings were brilliant and were so impressed by the children’s talent and thoughtfulness.”

The Longwood Primary Year 6 Children all visited the Gibberd Gallery to see the displays and were proud of their work on show. 

Georgia Say said “It has been a wonderful project to be part of and so important to keep memories alive in the thoughts and lives of our younger generation. I hope that this is the beginning of community connections and a partnership for future collaborations.”

 The Gibberd Gallery, Civic Centre, Harlow  is open Monday – Saturday 11am – 4pm.  Free Admission.