Lancaster drawing, deliberately challenges entrenched beliefs going back to childhood, specifically about the Avro Lancaster bomber, named after the City where I grew up.
In 60’s and 70’s Britain the unchallenged narrative about the WW2 area bombing campaign on Germany was that the Lancaster was the spearhead of a righteous war of retribution on a nation that was foolishly in thrall to existential wickedness, and which had also struck the first blow during the Blitz. In short, we were proud of the Lancaster bomber.
Whilst still deeply respectful of the sacrifice and bravery of the crews that flew them, having read the work of Richard Overy and AC Greyling on the questionable moral foundations of the campaign, my view of the Lancaster is now much more nuanced.
This drawing, showing a besmirched Lancaster dropping lilies and roses to disrupt intolerance, tries to resolve this challenge in my head, by accepting that an affection for the ‘idea of the Lancaster’ is part of who I am, but dispensing with the attached moral certitude of childhood.
This has become a topical issue, as a resurgence of a dubious narrative of British exceptionalism in the war years underpins the appeal of Nigel Farage and his kind.
Artwork Details
- Medium: Pen and Ink on Paper
- Dimensions: 74cm (W) x 171cm (H) x 4cm (D)
- Year: 2012
