Secret Art of Lockdown - Online Exhibition

When Gunner Jack Bridger Chalker was a Far East prisoner of war (FEPOW) in Thailand, he was taught how to embroider by a sick Australian FEPOW lying next to him. Making art as a FEPOW provided a much-needed morale boost. For some it was a way of documenting their situation, for others it was a way of feeling closer to loved ones back home.

This online exhibition is inspired by our Secret Art of Survival exhibition which showcased original artworks created by British military Far East prisoners of war (FEPOW) while in captivity during the Second World War. They used their artworks to keep up their morale, make each other laugh and remember their loved ones back home. 

We invited you to create an online exhibition celebrating the power of art which has made us feel better and kept us connected to loved ones during lockdown.

You sent us drawings, painting, crafting, sculptures, photographs and poetry and here is your online exhibition.