Westbury artist, Helen Chester, is looking for families from Westbury and the surrounding area with old photographs of a family member that fought in the Great War, and would be happy for the picture to become the subject of a portrait.
Helen has gained recognition for her striking paintings of the Westbury White Horse with decorative elements taken from historic buildings in Westbury. Her work was included in the Wiltshire Heritage ‘White Horse & Hill Figures’ exhibition several years ago and she also has work in the Cardiff Bay Arts Trust collection. Now Helen’s latest series of work commemorating the Great War, seeks to reflect the local men that fought for their country.
Helen said, “I became fascinated in incorporating portraits into my work after finding a photograph of my Great Grandfather and seeing his memorial in the tower of All Saints Church in Westbury where he was a bell ringer.
“I realised the devastation that was caused to his young wife and baby son (my grandfather) when he was killed, and how the only record of his life was a sepia photograph, a cigarette case and a carving on a wall.
“While working in restoration studios following my degree I noticed that it was only wealthy and prominent families that were able to commission portraits and that my family, like the majority, only have photographic records of our ancestor going back, at most, a hundred years. My aim is to create portraiture that commemorates the everyday man to the prominent position that they inhabited in the hearts of their loved ones.”
Helen will be exhibiting these portraits over the course of the four year commemorations in Westbury. If you have a photograph of someone that fought in the First World War and are interested in taking part, or have any further questions please contact Helen on 01373 825041 or 07974 349 198, alternatively email helen-chesterarts@hot mail.co.uk
