When World War 1 broke out in 1914, James Duffus, who had emigrated from Aberdeen to America and become a baker, felt he should return home and do his ‘bit’. James enlisted in the 2nd Gordon Highlanders. However, when his skill as a baker was recognised he was transferred to the battalion cookhouse, and became a Sergeant Cook.
Being a cook did not mean he was not in danger. In fact, there were many who supported the troops who could find themselves in the firing line. People such as stretcher-bearers, medics, nurses, cyclists carrying messages, those delivering rations to the troops, the list goes on. Of course, first and foremost James was a soldier and, during the final battles in Northern Italy which defeated the Austro-Hungarian Army, he was awarded the Military Medal.
Artist’s Response
For this project, I got the story about Private James Duffus. I liked this story because in comparison to the other stories, that were very tragic and focused on the soldiers, and the war, my story focused on the behind-the-scenes of it all. It was the story of the man that fed thousands of men, so that they could survive, and fight for their country.
I stuck to my original idea since the beginning. The idea of two front lines of men wearing kilts, ready to go to battle. One of the sides would carry rifles, while the other would be holding spoons, knives, and forks, in honor of the many years he cooked for all of the soldiers. In the back, some barbed wire would be seen, an assortment of vegetables would be seen hanging from them. The students from Grays School of Art, Mya Lawson and Erin Brogan helped me connect some ideas that I had, and narrow down my options, they also taught me all about the type of print I wanted to make. I chose to do screen printing because I felt that It would capture the details and colors of my drawing better.
If I could do this again, I would try to make my picture less detailed, and choose bigger images so that the colors could pop out more. Throughout this whole experience I really enjoyed working with young adults that were studying higher concepts of art, and that could help me with all of the doubts I had. I also enjoyed learning about the different kinds of prints. This was a very good experience for me.
Hannah Antello
The International School Aberdeen (ISA)
Hannah Antelo is sixteen years old and born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Hannah just moved from Madrid, Spain, to Aberdeen, and attends the International School of Aberdeen. This is her third month here. Aberdeen is different to all of the places Hannah has lived in before. She has previously resided in Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, and Bolivia.
