Victory for the Allies - William White naval rating

Date1914 - 1918

Object number00028899

NameWall hanging

MediumTextile, Silk, photographic print on paper

DimensionsDisplay dimensions (Framed D fini): 895 × 660 mm
Overall: 480 × 525 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis blue silk wall hanging commerorates the victory of the Allies in WW1. The flags or the principal Allied nations are represented, framing a photographic portatrait of William White, a young naval rating. HistoryDuring the war handcrafted mementos and keepsakes were very popular. It was an era before mass produced souvenirs and where embroidery was still a widely held and necessary skill. Patriotism was at a high and Australia was seen as very much a world citizen and Allied partner. Also, "keepsake items remind us that wars are fought by human beings. Jewellery and collectibles are proof that war extends beyond the battlefield and help us realize just how much the lives of large numbers of civilians were significantly altered...[by war] " (Snider, Nick, "Sweetheart Jewellery and Collectibles",1995, Schiffer Publishing, Limited).SignificanceThis wall hanging represents an era where practically the entire country backed the war effort and when communications between loved ones serving overseas and those at home was sporadic. Handcrafted mementos of ships and battles served as reminder and celebration of those serving and embracing the patriotism of the time.