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Description: | image: Below decks on board ship, a group of youths in naval rating uniform sit at a wooden table. In the foreground two
boys sit on a bench, their backs to the viewer, holding a pudding bowl and spoon at the ready. An older sailor approaches from the left,
ceremoniously holding up a large bowl containing a round, steamed pudding.
The British Navy traditionally trained boys from an early age, offsetting the hardships of service at sea with the
rewards of reliable traditions and comradeship. Brangwyn was commissioned in 1917 by the British Ministry of Information to contribute six
lithographs of life at sea to a series of propaganda prints. His prints follow the experiences of young recruits as they become part of a
team trained in boat and gunnery drill.
Plum ‘duff’ (a hearty steamed pudding made from suet and dried fruit) was a traditional and necessary remedy for the bitter working
conditions at sea. The image aims to reinforce public affection for the Navy and faith in its endurance.
In 1917 the Ministry of Information commissioned nine artists to produce six lithographs each on different aspects of the war effort. This
is an example of one of the 'Efforts'. A further twelve artists were commissioned to produce a single image representing the 'Ideals' for
which the war was fought. All the lithographs were produced in editions of 200 and the subscription price for a complete set was 100
guineas. The prospectus published on January 1, 1919 described the series as 'a first attempt by a number of British artists, working in
unison, to put on record some aspects of the activities called forth by the Great War, and Ideals by which those activities were inspired.
The prints were published by the Fine Art Society and produced under the direction of Ernest Jackson, himself a contributor to the 'Ideals'
series.
Ministry of Information Commission
One of six prints by Brangwyn, from 'Britain's Efforts and Ideals'; Making Sailors
Original Image | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Subjects: | shipping ritual comforts Military Personnel agriculture / food | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | The Fine art Society | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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