Ground-breaking exhibition by Scarborough veterans

Issued on: 8 January 2018

This January, visitors to Scarborough Art Gallery will get a unique insight into life after leaving the military or emergency services. Local veterans’ charity FirstLight Trust has teamed up with Scarborough Museums Trust to mount a unique exhibition of military memorabilia, photography and craftwork created by the veterans of the town. As well as medals, caps and berets, there are also displays showing the charity’s connection with Sharpe, the fictional soldier played on TV by Sean Bean.

“We’re delighted for the opportunity to share the experiences and viewpoints of our veterans in such an amazing building,” says FirstLight Trust charity founder Dorinda Wolfe Murray. “As some of our upcycled furniture pieces ear-marked for display were sold just before Christmas, it was all hands-on deck to literally come up with the goods! Our veterans have really stepped up to create some beautiful and, at times, thought-provoking displays.”

“Many veterans find it challenging to process what they’ve been through. Creating artwork or woodwork can be helpful in adjusting to ‘civvy street,” adds Dorinda. “That’s why we run regular upcycling sessions and events. Our hub includes a café serving delicious Baytown Coffee Company drinks from Robin Hood’s Bay and home-made cakes. It’s also a place where any veteran, no matter when they left the services, can pop in if they would like help with red tape, health concerns or just would like to chat to somebody.”

The exhibition is in the Community Gallery of Scarborough Art Gallery, set in the beautiful Crescent Gardens. The Grade II* Italianate villa houses a collection of fine art including seascapes and views of Scarborough as well as many other prints and drawings by notable British artists. The gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm and the FirstLight Trust exhibition runs until 28 January.

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Notes to Editors

For more details please contact Dorinda Wolfe Murray at enquiries@firstlighttrust.co.uk or call 07464 828 049

More details about FirstLight Trust are available online at www.firstlighttrust.co.uk

More details about Scarborough Art Museum can be found at:

http://www.scarboroughmuseumstrust.com/scarborough-art-gallery/