Northern Ireland

Artwork depicting life in Belfast during the Blitz created to mark 80 years since start of WWII

Artwork by Danielle Simpson depicts the bravery shown by Bruce Graham during an enemy attack in the Belfast air raids
Artwork by Danielle Simpson depicts the bravery shown by Bruce Graham during an enemy attack in the Belfast air raids Artwork by Danielle Simpson depicts the bravery shown by Bruce Graham during an enemy attack in the Belfast air raids

A NEW collection of art depicting life in Belfast during the Blitz has been created to mark 80 years since the start of World War II.

The 80 pieces are based on real-life stories discovered in wartime records, including the bravery of a man during an enemy attack in the Belfast air raids.

The project by family history website, Ancestry, aims to "bring to life the extraordinary ‘everyday’ lives and efforts of people" during the conflict.

It has worked with 33 artists around the UK, including Belfast-based artist Danielle Simpson, to create a new collection of artworks with each piece inspired by an historical record and true story from the areas hit hardest by the Blitz.

The artists used various mediums ranging from digital illustration to oil painting.

Ms Simpson created contemporary interpretations of the records and images from the conflict in Belfast, including bringing to life the story of William Bennett (15), who rescued people from a house by holding debris of a tunnel on his back.

In another, she depicts the bravery shown by Bruce Graham during an enemy attack in the Belfast air raids.

He maintained communications between the report centre and services in action by carrying operational messages on his motorcycle, riding the whole time despite explosives falling around him.

The new collection was inspired by the War Artists Advisory Committee, which was established at the outbreak of World War II by the UK government’s Ministry of Information.

Russell James, family history expert at Ancestry, said the new artwork was "inspired by everyday life during The Blitz and throughout World War II".

"By preserving these stories in a new and engaging way, we hope we can shine a light on what our families went through during that time," he said.

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."