| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART09912 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 37.6 x 50 cm; image: 37.6 x 50 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | black crayon and pencil on paper |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | c. 1916-18 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Abandoned trench, the Somme
Description
Depicts an abondoned trench on the Somme. The trench is in the foreground, with smashed trees on the edge and there are Nissan huts and tents in the background. The portion of the trench depicted is probably O Q 2. Huts of an Engineering section are visible in the background. Will Dyson was the first Australian official war artist to visit the front during the First World War, travelling to France in December 1916, remaining there until May 1917, making records of the Australian involvement in the war. He was formally appointed as an official war artist, attached to the AIF, in May 1917, working in France and London throughout the war. His commission was terminated in March 1920.