Portsmouth artists capture Blitz spirit for nationwide art project ahead of 80th anniversary

The project, created by Ancestry.co.uk, has seen 33 artists across the country create pieces of art to mark the anniversary of the bombings that began on September 7, 1940.

The resulting 80 artworks are based on records from The National Archives, bringing to life true stories of everyday heroism from the Second World War.

Portsmouth-based illustrator Laura Crouch has portrayed women bathing along the south coast while overshadowed by a fighter plane.

Her second piece shows the British Power Boat of Hythe, whose Southampton training centre equipped young women with the skills ready for factory work to help the war effort.

Artist Laura said: ‘It was amazing to work with historic images from the local area during World War II and try to imagine what life may have looked like back then.

‘It feels great to be able to represent the city by remembering local heroes such as the young women training at the British Power Boat of Hythe.’

Elliot Byrne, also based in Portsmouth, has illustrated Portsmouth midwife Frances Brassfield, who ran through heavy gun fire to aid a woman who had just gave birth during a raid in 1940.

The inspirational nurse also helped a woman deliver twins under a kitchen table during a bombing raid, with nurse Byrne laying her body over the mother and children to protect them from falling debris.

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Dr William Butler, Head of Military Records at The National Archives, said: ‘This fascinating Ancestry project showcases how our historical collections can inspire in such a variety of ways, and has provided such an impressive breadth of responses.

‘The Civilian Gallantry Award records are a treasure trove of stories, highlighting the incredible and often dangerous work carried out by individuals working as air raid wardens, first aid workers, firewatchers and messengers during the Second World War.

‘They provide vivid details of the exploits and heroic deeds of civilians fighting a war away from the battlefields and highlight the sacrifices so often made on the home front.’

The full collection of artwork commemorating the 80th anniversary can be seen here.

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