Step Back in Time: WW2 Artist Leslie Cole’s Powerful Portraits Unveiled

Museum and Art Swindon is currently hosting a special exhibition featuring the work of Leslie Cole, an official war artist from World War Two who was born in Swindon. This exhibition marks 80 years since the end of the war and includes paintings from Cole's Swindon collection as well as pieces that are usually displayed at the Imperial War Museum. Frances Yeo, the manager of Swindon museums, explained that Leslie Cole's experiences during the war had a lasting impact on him, shaping his life and art. She said, 'These experiences changed Leslie Cole, and stayed with him all his life. It affected him very deeply. '

One of the most moving paintings in the exhibition shows the women's section of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, just days after British troops liberated it. Ms Yeo described this painting as very affecting, saying it stays with viewers long after they see it. She emphasized the importance of Cole's decision to paint what he witnessed, and the museum's responsibility to display these works so people can understand the realities of war.

After the war in Europe ended, Leslie Cole was sent to the Far East with British and Indian troops. He joined them on combat patrols and created paintings based on what he saw. One painting shows soldiers cutting a path through a dense jungle, while another is a portrait of a sergeant in the Indian Army. John Wood, the collections and exhibitions manager, said, 'He did a lot of portraits and this is a particularly striking image. ' The exhibition is free to visit and will be open until January at Museum & Art Swindon, located on the upper floor of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

In addition to Cole's paintings, the museum features other interesting displays, such as a large rock-like formation and a gharial, a reptile with a long, narrow snout, inside a glass cabinet. Visitors can explore these exhibits and learn more about history and art. The museum encourages people to share their story ideas and get in touch with them. They hope the exhibition will help people understand the impact of war and appreciate the importance of art in remembering history.