Painting commissioned in commemoration of Great War to be unveiled at Hucknall Library

On the day that the start of the Great War is commemorated, a painting is to be presented today at Hucknall Library which depicts the First World War Peace Parade in the town.

Hucknall military historian Jim Grundy has commissioned Nottingham artist Bob Evans to produce a painting of a photograph which was taken on 23rd August, 1919 showing the march.

Visitors will be able to see the painting in the South Street library’s local studies’ area.

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“We are honoured that this painting will be on display at Hucknall Library,” said Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture at Nottinghamshire County Council. “It will provide a lasting legacy for local people as part of the commemorations of the 100th anniversary since the start of the First World War.”

The oil painting is size A0 and the project has taken Mr Evans, from Old Basford, around four months to produce.

Mr Grundy said: “It’s important to remember that there are no memorials which exist for servicemen who returned from the First World War. This artwork will provide the opportunity for all who served in the war for Hucknall, and everyone who made such sacrifices for their country from the town as part of the war effort, to be remembered.”

The photograph which has inspired the new painting shows the parade in Hucknall to commemorate the conclusion of peace of the First World War on 28th June, 1919. Local media reported how Lieutenant William Amos Brown, Royal Garrison Artillery, gave a speech thanking the people of Hucknall for their support during the war.

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The photograph shows some of the 1,000 returning veterans marching solemnly past a temporary memorial. It shows a temporary structure, erected for the parade. The permanent memorial was sited in Titchfield Park and was unveiled on 3rd September 1922.

The image shows lots of local people observing the parade, and a Union Jack at half mast, as well as many of the shops and businesses of the era.

Mr Grundy has also been taking part in a series of talks around the First World War over the last few months at the library. For more details of future talks, visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson.