Communities across Scotland would often support soldiers in any way they could during the First World War. They came up with a range of innovative ideas to show their support for the cause.
The Perthshire Patriotic Barrow was set up and run by concerned Perth citizens at Perth train station in August 1914. At that time, the station was one of the busiest in Scotland with many hundreds of troops passing through daily. At the barrow, members of the armed services could get tea, cigarettes and a snack – as well as a friendly word from the volunteers who staffed it.
At first, the barrow volunteers stocked it with food they had grown in their own gardens. But demand grew and with it a need for funding. At this point, the Marchioness of Tullibardine formed a patriotic committee to secure the barrow’s future.
The soldiers were extremely appreciative and even gave the volunteers things like bullets, anything that would raise some money to keep the barrow stocked.
Artist’s Response
When first discovering my story for this brief, I attempted to dig deeper to see if there was any more information on the subject. As it happens, all that was available was the original article I was given. This proved to be a blessing as I was forced to find imagery and inspiration from the limited words in front of me.
The story focused around a community who gave out trinkets such as cigarettes, tea and snacks to soldiers passing through Perth train station during the war. From this, I decided to research packaging designs of cigarette packets during World War 1.
In my initial sketches, I was inspired by these designs but felt it could be more relevant to the story. This was when I decided to create a cigarette packet design unique to Perth train station and this is what is demonstrated in my final print. This project also gave me the opportunity to do screen printing for the first time, which meant the creative process was both challenging and rewarding.
Kerry Fleming
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
Instagram: @kerryflemingart
Kerry is a student working towards her degree in Illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone, University of Dundee. She is interested in all facets of art with a focus on traditional illustration, particularly in regard to characters and storytelling.
