The role of the official war artist has always been a fascinating one. The brief is to record conflict as he or she sees it in the air, at sea, or on the land. But are they to be an arm of propaganda intended to boost morale on the home front? Or should they provide a more personal exploration of what war meant and how it was seen through an experienced artist’s eye?
The work of Eric Ravilious in the Second World War raises all these questions, and it is splendid that in a recently released film, Margy Kinmonth has made this documentary about his life and work.
I am puzzled that it should be made for the cinema, as usually it is only celebrities – John McEnroe, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Mohammed Ali – who attract paying audiences to see a documentary on the big screen. But I hope audiences will seek it out, as Kinmonth has produced a fascinating film, which is also a visual feast.
Archaeology: still the best degree